FEARS have been raised that controversial plans to introduce charges at two of Barrhead’s busiest car parks could steer people out of town.

East Renfrewshire Council (ERC) wants to force drivers to pay £4 for all-day parking at the sites at Cochrane Street and the Barrhead Foundry.

It claims the move will help to tackle the problem of spaces being occupied all day by just one vehicle, making it easier for short-stay shopping and leisure users to park their cars.

However, Barrhead Community Council is concerned there may be a negative impact on trade.

Chairwoman Rosaleen Reilly said: “I can understand they want to discourage people from leaving their cars in these busy car parks all day but this will impact a lot of people who want to use the car parks for legitimate reasons.”

A formal consultation on the parking plans is to be staged, with council chiefs keen to bring in the charges in 2017/18.

East Renfrewshire is already said to be suffering the effects of charges brought in at Hairmyres – one railway stop from Busby – with some people parking for free in East Renfrewshire, rather than paying their new local charge.

Neilston Community Council has written to other community councils to highlight the issue, in the hope of forcing a U-turn over the parking charges.

However, bosses at ERC have defended their plans. A spokesman said: “Key parking areas across East Renfrewshireare currently in extremely high demand due to the range of competing needs, including commuting, shopping and access to leisure facilities.

“Effectively managing the parking in these areas will improve the turnover of spaces within off-street car parks, allowing better access to parking for short-stay leisure and shopping.

“We are now consulting on the specific car parks and the level at which charges should be set.”