I HAVE a ticket from a parking meter I had to purchase on Saturday, May 11.

The meter clearly states the charges -- 30p for a half hour, 60p for 1hour etc -- and no change given

I was calling at the Market and didn't have 30p or 60p, only a 50p coin. My fault, I should have known I needed small change. I put in my 50p knowing there is no change. What I didn't know was that for 50p I only got parking for half an hour, ie 30p's worth, and the council keep the extra 20p.

It makes me wonder what would happen if the council came into my shop, bought an item, and was told as they were paying for it that I had no change, and wouldn't give them their money back. I would probably be branded dishonest, a robber, an extortionist, a criminal, and the police would be called.

All I can do is write to the Bolton Evening News to highlight the fact that I have been robbed. By the way, I am another person who won't be shopping in Bolton town centre. I can get all I want in Horwich village, and it is free parking.

Karen Haywood

Chorley Old Road

Heaton, Bolton