John Roadknight, of Buckwell Road, Kingsbridge, writes:

I believe that the vast ­majority of readers of this paper, and indeed followers of the BBC’s Spotlight, will have been astounded by the ­intransigence of Devon County Council and Cllr Rufus Gilbert in not finding a solution after many months to first responder Tim Hore’s parking dilemma.

Can’t they comprehend that lives may be at risk if he is unable to continue to carry out his truly vital and valuable role as a volunteer first responder?

It really does beggar belief that he has not simply been reallocated the previous space he enjoyed when South Hams Council gave him dispensation to park on Clifton Place.

It would appear that the Conservative-controlled Devon County Council places

more emphasis on upholding ­parking restrictions than saving lives so it can boost its revenue through fines.

As a former volunteer ­hospital car driver, I found it frustrating at having to waste valuable time dealing with overzealous county council traffic wardens when picking up and dropping off patients living in the passageways off Fore Street, Kingsbridge, and indeed in Salcombe during the summer months.

Despite displaying clear stickers on my car windows, I obviously could not sprint fast enough up and down the alleys with elderly, frail patients.

Cllr Gilbert should be all

too aware of the value of the ­volunteer sector, and I am therefore extremely surprised at the length of time it is taking him to resolve this issue.

This does not reflect at

all well on David Cameron’s ­compassionate ‘big society’ that he keeps on reiterating to little or no effect.