Protesters to make a big noise over car parking charges

A council meeting will be disrupted by the angry blast of air horns this week.

Angus parking charges opponents plan to let local politicians know their opposition in a noisy town centre protest.

Campaigners who led a vehicle convoy to the door of Angus Council’s HQ a week after meters were switched on at 33 car parks across the county in November plan to converge on Forfar’s full council meeting on Thursday.

Angus Business and Retailers Association (Abra) has also asked permission for a delegation to address councillors on the controversial set-up, saying frustration over its impact is “as strong as ever”.

Councillors have tweaked the scheme, including the purchase of cash machines for some of the off-street car parks and a plan for some festive season relaxation to boost weekend business.

Senior council figures have repeatedly emphasised the charges will not be scrapped.

Critics believe the scheme could take a decade to break even and councillors last week received an updated financial projection indicating a first-year net income of £278,000 compared to the £500,000 forecast.

Brechin businessman Bruce Robertson of Abra said: “Our intention is simply to let the councillors know that we are still here and the unhappiness over this whole situation remains as deep as ever.

“We are encouraging people to join us in a peaceful, but hopefully noisy, protest while the full council meeting is going on.

“Placards will be provided but if people decide to make their own, we would ask that they do not target individuals with inappropriate language.

“We are, however, encouraging the use of air horns, trumpets etcetera, to let councillors know we are there and illustrate the strength of feeling which still exists around the parking charges.”

An Angus Council spokesman said: “While we are aware of the proposed protest, no request for a deputation has been received at this time.”