We're paying big price for parking

Businesses have demanded Renfrewshire Council rethinks contentious parking charges in Paisley town centre after research suggested the hikes could cost the local economy millions each year.

- JACK THOMSON, LOCAL DEMOCRACY REPORTER

The local authority has been urged to hold talks with Paisley First so they can discuss a “compromise” that gives traders a “fighting chance” but still generates income.

It comes after a report conducted by AMION Consulting and commissioned by the business improvement district estimated the area is losing up to £8.7 million gross value added annually under the current model.

Holding placards aloft outside Paisley Town Hall yesterday, businesses came together and called for two hours of free parking, instead of one hour.

Elaine Templeton, chair of Paisley First, said: "For too long, our concerns have been dismissed by Renfrewshire Council as anecdotal.

"This independent report proves what our businesses have been saying all along - the current parking charges are killing Paisley town centre.

"This parking strategy is supposed to be Renfrewshire wide but these punitive parking charges have only been implemented in Paisley.

"If parking charges are 'bad for business' in Johnstone and Renfrew, then why are they acceptable for Paisley?

"We know Renfrewshire Council is facing financial challenges but businesses in Paisley can’t be left to pay the price.