Council-wide parking fees KO’d by Kilsyth’s people power

Last week it emerged that the authority had opted to stop the plans which sparked a furore across the authority.

The decision would mark a lone overturning of this year’s savage budget cuts which had also put paid to Kilbowie Outdoor Centre and the display of Christmas lights in every town in North Lanarkshire.

Now, councillors have decided that the plans should be delayed in a move which saw Kilsyth’s strenuous efforts to repel the charges mentioned by prime movers at a council meeting in Motherwell last Thursday (December 4).

This came in the form of a petition with more than 6oo0 signatures and a demonstration which drew a huge crowd despite a blizzard.

Organiser Kevin Kane of Rennie Road Community Alliance said: “This is a massive victory for all the people and businesses who united against the plan.

“I’d like to thank those who signed the petition, those who demonstrated and the Main Street businesses for highlighting the detrimental impact charging people to park would have on their livelihood and the very social and economic fabric of the town.

“This victory is an example of community mobilisation at its finest!

“To those crucial elected representatives who backed the campaign and submitted the key amendments. We appreciate it. Thank you!

“I hope this can bean inspiration to others to take action on matters that are important to them. Finally, if these irrational and heartless plans ever see the light of day again, Kilsyth will be ready.”