Published: Wednesday, 2nd June, 2010 2:18pm

'Give drivers a break'

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By Ewan McInnes

BACKING DRIVERS: Arthurlie Inns

A PUB owner and his customers have slammed the parking tickets being handed out to drivers in two of the town's busiest streets.

The redevelopment of Cross Arthurlie Street - and a reluctance of residents to use the now free car park behind the shops on Main Street - has resulted in drivers parking illegally.

This has left cops with no option but to hand out parking tickets to these motorists.

However, Peter Mulholland, who has owned the Arthurlie Inns for 27 years, and his patrons are calling on East Renfrewshire Council and the police to show a bit of common sense and relax the rules while the regeneration of Barrhead is carried out.

The 53-year-old said: "I understand the police are only doing their job but everyone knows Cross Arthurlie Street is under redevelopment so why are the police harassing people on the Main Street.

"There is nowhere else to park.

"A customer of mine parked in Lidl for two days and his car got tanned.

"Why are the police not letting people park in the clear way except for the bus stops?

"The guy who lives above my pub has had three parking tickets and a smashed window."

Peter added: "Technically the police are correct, but why are we not having a bit of leeway?

"It's a big issue and it's going to get a lot worse.

"The only place we can get a space is in Lidl, but nobody is prepared to leave their car there at night. Why can't they let it go until all the road works are finished?

"For example, if you are going to the bank on Cross Arthurlie Street you aren't going to get a space anywhere near it so you have to park up near the Main Street, but from there most people can't go to the bank and back in twenty minutes so will end up with a parking ticket."

Barrhead's Community Inspector, Campbell Crawford, said: "The bottom line is that we will enforce legislation, if people park illegally they run the risk of getting a ticket. We have no say in the road works and we would ask motorists to bear in mind the legislation. I can understand their frustration."

A council spokesman said that when it comes to parking in Barrhead they need to get the balance right.

He added: "If someone is parking illegally or irresponsibly, then the police should be taking action. Parking safely and sensibly and using the car a bit less especially for short journeys where we can would be positive moves."