Proposed parking charges spark backlash in West Dunbartonshire

As previously reported in the Clydebank Post, the council has proposed implementing charges at council-owned car parks.

However, dozens of responses from the public paint a picture of widespread disappointment and frustration, with many fearing the move will drive people away from Clydebank town centre and hurt struggling businesses even further.

Harry Kielty said: "There has to be a limit. Council tax will go up. Rent is going up. No doubt the charge for emptying brown bins will go up. Now they want to charge for car parking.

"They are putting more financial pressure on families while services are being reduced. These rises far exceed the rate of inflation. People can only take so much."

Similarly, Sandy Wilkinson asked: "Why? People are finding it hard enough to eat!"

Allan Rutherford raised concerns about how it would hurt people working in the area. 

He said: "Great idea, that means the worker on minimum wage work eight hours a day, six or seven days a week. Average cost over £200 a month.

"That's more than the council tax, or average electricity bill for a month."

Meanwhile, Conrad Gross added: "The only thing this will do is further impact the people who work there."