Council leader hits back after parking meters vandalised

Vandals who damaged parking meters installed in an East Lothian town weeks before they began operating have been warned it will not stop charges.

Council leader Norman Hampshire has hit back after more than a dozen of the new machines were damaged with glue and other products, insisting it will only “increase costs” and reduce the benefits the income from the new machines will bring.

And he has urged anyone with information about those responsible for the damage to report them to the police.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Councillor Hampshire said the council would not be deterred from introducing the charges, due to start next month, because of the attacks.

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He said: “Town centre parking meters already exist in many other parts of the country. In East Lothian, charges will ultimately raise income to help maintain vital local infrastructure as well as to increase enforcement, which will enable safer and more accessible communities.

“While we understand the views of people who are opposed to the introduction of parking charges, vandalism will not prevent the implementation but simply increase costs and reduce the positive impacts that the income could raise.”

North Berwick is the first East Lothian town to see parking charges introduced with plans for similar schemes in Musselburgh, Haddington, Dunbar and Tranent expected to follow after councillors approved moves to progress them at a meeting in December.

That meeting saw councillors walk the gauntlet through dozens of angry protesters who wave banners and shouted loudly.

Inside the chambers, the meeting was temporarily suspended while councillors debated whether to continue as the noise from outside disrupted proceedings and, at one point, a member of the public in the room was ejected after shouting “shame” at elected members.

Reports of parking meters being vandalised with glue and other products after being installed in the town met a mixed response on social media with the majority of people coming out in support of the damage.

And they warned there will be more to come as the council pushes ahead with its plans.

One person said: “This isn’t mindless vandalism. This is (in my opinion) a community that is ready to fight back at a council that most people believe doesn’t listen to the local community.”

Another added: “This is becoming a widespread revolution against a deeply unpopular council which refuses to listen to its electorate! Cancel the project before this turns into a war!”

Not everyone welcomed the incidents, though, with others warning it would only cost taxpayers more in the end.

One warned: “All this means is that council tax payers pay for replacements…mindless.”

An ongoing survey on social media asking for views on parking charges in the town currently has 75% of those taking part against them.

Mr Hampshire appealed for support from locals to catch vandals saying: “Vandalism is a criminal offence and the costs to repair and replace the damaged units will come from budgets that would be better spent delivering vital local services.

“We would encourage anyone who has any information regarding the vandalism to contact Police Scotland.”

And Inspector Alan King, from Police Scotland, said: “Vandalism is unacceptable no matter what form it takes. It creates unnecessary expense for individuals, organisations and indeed the public purse at a time when they are all bearing what are harsh economic times.

“This criminal behaviour diverts funds away from essential services.

“We are carrying out enquiries as acts of vandalism will not be tolerated, and those responsible will be held accountable.”