I READ (Gazette, August 16) that Little Thurrock had been successful in having rejected plans to build housing on land that is better used for parking for the local shops to attract customers. Well done them.

Could I now ask then, why the councillors could not have made the same decision in Derry Avenue, South Ockendon, where we have more shops than Little Thurrock, but will soon have little parking, apart from Lidl’s car park?

With more shops, surely we need more parking to attract customers, for if people cannot park, then they will go elsewhere.

I’m sure it’s not too late to reverse the decision to build behind the Sorting Office, or is there a hidden agenda regarding the future of the shops at Derwent Parade?

CHRIS GEEVES Araglen Avenue, South Ockendon.