MP hits out in parking charges row

ROSS MP Ian Blackford is calling on Highland Council leader Margaret Davidson to scrap parking charge proposals for Dingwall – but is being told "tough choices" could save jobs.

The SNP’s Westminster leader notes the plans have prompted local concerns about the impact on the local economy.

Mr Blackford said: "The case for introduction of charges in Dingwall simply doesn’t add up, that is quite obvious. The area committees across the board must take a measured and considered approach to this and Margaret Davidson must ensure that areas like Dingwall, which already have a fragile local economy, aren’t adversely affected. There simply has to be more work done with the local communities to offer a shared vision of where parking charges can, and can’t, work.

"Dingwall, in my opinion, and that of everyone I have spoken to, is an area that it can’t. The proposals were brought forward with no initial consultation and I think it then dawned on the Highland Council, at least I hope it did, that you can’t just have a blanket policy for everywhere. We need to stimulate growth in Dingwall, not curtail it."

But budget leader Alister Mackinnon, who also represents Dingwall and Seaforth, said tough decisions can protect jobs.

He said: "As a council we now have a budget deficit of around £5.2 million in the first quarter of the financial year. We have to realise income from assets we have. The proposal may not be attractive but with the cutbacks we have received from the Scottish Government it’s something we have to do.

"We have done this to protect jobs. The longer the stalling goes on, the greater the budget pressures we face. That is the reality of the situation."

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