Pay to park bid rejected

No charges in town centres

Jack Thomson Local Democracy Reporter

Parking charges will not be introduced into Johnstone and Renfrew town centres, it was confirmed at a Renfrewshire Council meeting.

The decision had been expected after SNP councillors revealed they would not support the proposals earlier this month.

Renfrewshire Council ran an impact assessment and consultation – at a cost of £41,037 – which prompted elected members to vote in favour of no parking control charges or interventions.

However, the saga provoked heated debate as the opposition Labour group accused the administration of wasting public funds to find out something it already knew.

At the council’s Infrastructure, Land and Environment Board meeting Councillor Jacqueline Cameron defended the process, when she said: “From day one, my mantra as a Johnstone councillor was we are listening and that’s what we did.

“There’s been a lot of talk about U-turns but I don’t see listening to the electorate and constituents as a U- turn. I have made Johnstone my home and I care passionately about the town.

“We have listened and acted accordingly.”

However, Labour group leader Councillor Eddie Devine said the administration was “scared”, claiming it was “backtracking” on proposals.

Board convener Councillor Cathy McEwan, responded saying: “The last thing we are, Councillor Devine, is scared to take things on board.”

Johnstone South and Elderslie Councillor John Hood said the position was a “spectacular U-turn”.

He criticised the local authority for spending tens of thousands on an impact assessment and consultation, instead suggesting it would be better spent in education.

Councillor Hood said: “That’s a school teacher you could’ve had.

“It’s a waste of money for something you already know and we already know. If it wasn’t for the business consortium and the community council, you would’ve went with the policy.”

Conservative Councillor James MacLaren said: “We welcome that the council has listened to the people of Johnstone and Renfrew.

“While there are still issues we don’t accept that a blanket approach of charges if the way forward.”

Councillor Cameron added: “There’s two winners here, the people of Johnstone and Renfrew.

“That’s my final word on the matter.”