EDITORIAL: Park & Ride debate heats up

Various people have tried persuading us to their way of thinking, whether it's for, against or a "happy compromise". Pressure has been exerted, such that we now feel that not taking a firm stance on this issue is actually the tougher line to take.

One of the reasons we're 'on the fence' is we hear more stories every day from people and groups affected by the car park. For example, a former scout leader is for it because the thorny trees that are a hazard will be removed and it will make parking outside the scout hall less dangerous. While a representative of Yass Museum has indicated some misgivings about having so many more people coming and going outside the museum, and the security issues this might present.

Many are up in arms about the trees that will be removed while others tell us that some of those trees are already dead or dying anyway.

With so much dissention, the only thing we know is that there should be transparent, honest and informed debate.

Which is why it is disheartening to hear that a number of people have felt pressured into signing the petition against the car park that is doing the rounds, with one person telling the Tribune they didn't even know what they were signing.

This, unfortunately, puts the whole document into disrepute.

Let the arguments for and against be heard, let them be clear, let everyone who has something to say have the forum in which to say it. The Tribune will give over as much space as required to the Park & Ride in our next Wednesday edition - the day of the council meeting where this issue will be discussed - to allow as many letters to the editor as we can possibly fit (the 350 word limit will still apply). If you have a unique perspective we want to give you the opportunity to be heard.

But how about we all take a deep breath and pull back on the pressure tactics.