Ely's Saturday park and ride service is to end next month - but did you ever use it? East Cambs District Council is axing the service from November 18 to make savings of nearly £20,000. I'd like to hear from people who used the service and from people who didn't know the service existed: was it useful or a waste of cash?

By ElyNewshound at 12:23 on 28/10/11

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I have never used the service because I would prefer to park close to the centre, dash in and get the things I need and leave. There are not enough of the shops I need in Ely to warrant driving to a P&R and then waiting for a bus. I would rather that the School Car Park was used on a Saturday and Sunday by shoppers who wish to stay longer for a small charge which goes to the school. Some of the colleges in Cambridge open up their car parks for an all day charge.

By rebeccabad at 12:41 on 28/10/11
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The idea of a park & ride at Ely College is absurd! We expect young children to walk home into the city without laying on a bus, so it must be close enough for shoppers to walk! When I was at Sixth Form it was 10 minute walk into the city centre to buy a sandwich for lunch! It would be fair enough laying on that car park for free for shoppers, but there would be no point in getting a bus as it's too close.

By davealsop at 12:58 on 28/10/11
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I love shopping in Ely because of the free parking which is close to the shops. The whole park and ride thing which happens in Cambridge is why I never shop there. I hate having to carry everything around and no chance to put stuff in the car.

If they make all car parks pay and display, and if as as expensive as Cambridge may be, then it would be different. However it would probably make more people shop on-line and get it delivered to the door which would be a a shame for local businesses. For me it was a waste of money. As long as there are sufficient regular buses going into the centre for the elderly or those that can´t drive then its fine to scrap it

By UFrank at 18:45 on 28/10/11
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The park and ride service was never going to be anything but a waste of time and money - time and money that could have been better spent finding a way to increase decent bus services from outlying villages to the town centre. Sadly, though, it gives the council another excuse to start charging for parking in the town centre...a done deal, it would seem, despite active protest by thousands of people. Why oh why can't they get things right and at least pretend to show some respect for the wishes of the people who live and work in Ely?

By sushar at 21:22 on 31/10/11
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i used it , never many people on it but it saved me from getting thin by walking into town !

By Allcingi at 19:36 on 08/12/11
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