An Angus businessman has vowed to continue his campaign against parking charges which were introduced in Angus on Thursday.
Barrie Ewart of Autosales in Kirriemuir has launched a petition in the hope of getting the decision reversed, branding it a “crazy” idea.
Mr Ewart, chairman of the Kirriemuir and Local Business Association (KALBA) and a lifelong resident of the county, said he had lobbied councillors in an attempt to have the charging scheme overturned, fearing its effect on businesses.
However, he claims his protests have fallen on “deaf ears” at Angus Council.
The Courier asked Angus Council to comment on his objections. However, the request also fell on deaf ears and no response had been received by the time of publication.
Mr Ewart said: “I am extremely concerned about the impact these charges will have.
“I have been lobbying councillors right the way through.
“I am asking that, in light of public opinion, the council reconsider the implications of this terrible decision and scrap the scheme completely.
“This idea to prop up the finances of Angus Council will cost far more in loss of business for the dying high streets of Angus than any benefit it may bring.
“It will discourage tourism and make the streets of Angus an unwelcoming place to shop, visit or live — all things a local council should be supporting.”
Mr Ewart said there had been no public consultation on the policy itself, only on the mechanics of its implementation.
He urged the local authority to call a public meeting to account for and defend its decision, saying it would need a substantial venue “with plenty parking”.
He also slammed the introduction of residents’ parking permits which cost £260 a year — more than those in central London.
And he highlighted the hard work put in by local businesses to try to ensure their high streets have a future, often with little or no help from the local authority.
“I have signed plenty of petitions but have never raised one before,” he said.
“We have never been consulted about the actual idea, but consulted on how we wanted to pay.”
Anyone wishing to support Mr Ewart’s petition should log on to
https://www.change.org/p/councillor-brian-boyd-keep-parking-in-angus-free
.
