Councillor’s condemnation as parking meters damaged

Vandals have again targeted parking meters installed by Angus Council, this time in Arbroath.

The machines in Leonard Street and Helen Street are reported to be out of action.

The police confirmed they are investigating the incidents, reported on Tuesday.

Vandals targeted meters in Brechin in December, with fire-raising attacks on machines in car parks on City Road, Church Street and Maisondieu Lane.

Four machines were put out of action, with Angus Council revealing the total repair bill would top £6,500.

A month later, again in Brechin, a pay-and-display machine was vandalised on Market Street.

In Montrose, machines at two car parks were put out of action after being glued up.

The incidents happened at the Baltic Street short-stay car park and the Lower Hall Street long-stay site.

Angus Councillor Derek Wann, Conservative member for Arbroath East and Lunan, condemned those responsible and the cost they have inflicted on the public purse.

He said: “Again mindless vandalism strikes.

“These machines are brand new and, whilst unpopular, they’re an expensive piece of machinery to replace or repair.

“This comes out of the public purse and costs us all.

“I would urge whoever is vandalising them to stop,” he added.

The parking meters were introduced in Angus on November 1.

Anyone with information regarding the latest incidents is asked to contact the police by telephoning 101.