YOU couldn't make it up if it wasn't true. Just one working day after being re-elected to power, the Tory rulers of Bucks County Council toughened up their hated positive parking scheme.

The Conservatives learned they had won the county elections on Friday. The following Monday, they issued a press release stating that fines in High Wycombe's special parking area will double from £30 to £60.

This is to fund the way for a possible expansion of the scheme across the county.

Deputy council leader Bill Chapple gamely defends positive parking, saying it's something the residents wanted and that it's improved parking in the town.

But Bill, as decent and well-meaning as he is, lives near Aylesbury and doesn't have to put up with the dreadful lottery of finding a space in High Wycombe town centre.

The positive parking scheme is essentially flawed in that it requires residents to pay money for the right to park their car outside their own homes. Even though they pay council tax, road tax and income tax.

It also requires them to pay for the privilege of allowing their visitors to park outside their houses during peak hours.

Several traders have accused the scheme of harming their businesses and many motorists prefer to go anywhere but High Wycombe to shop. It's far easier to find a space in Marlow, Beaconsfield, Amersham and even Aylesbury.

It looks like gross insensitivity to announce the latest crackdown measures just one day after an election. This has been High Wycombe's biggest talking point, so why couldn't the county council have issued their release before last Thursday's election?

Then, if Positive Parking was as popular as Bill Chapple says it is, there wouldn't be a problem.

As it is, disgruntled voters now have to wait another four years before they can make their views about this latest decision known at the ballot box.

Buckinghamshire County Council has let down the people of High Wycombe on this issue and they should be ashamed of it.

Infertile couples deserve help

IMAGINE of being told you could never have children, however much you wanted them.

No first words, no school nerves, no teenage worries and no special moments. You would never be able to watch your son or daughter grow up into a responsible, loving adult.

That is the sad reality for thousands of infertile couples who are desperate to have a child.

Some women can undergo IVF treatment using their own eggs, but often it doesn't work and many are left with no option except to use donors.

That is why eggs are needed from donors in order to give people a chance to make their dream of having a child come true. It is vital for people to come forward as some couples can wait for years for a donor.

Being a donor is a brave thing to do. It is a very selfless act and is a decision not to be taken lightly. But think of the rewards couples will reap from it. This can all be achieved if just a few of us took that first step towards making other families complete.