RENFREWSHIRE Council will hold a consultation with Johnstone residents on Monday over the controversial plans to introduce car parking charges to the town.

The meeting will give locals the chance to voice their concerns to representatives from the council as well as to get more information on the changes.

Iain McMillan, secretary of the Johnstone Community Council, said: "I don't know if it is a little cynical of me, but it seems odd to give us such short notice.

"It really is the last opportunity for people to have their say before the changes are taken further.

"It is important that people get along and make their views known."

Traders and residents in Johnstone and Renfrew could face paying up to £50 per vehicle after a recent study by Renfrewshire Council concluded charging people who live or run a business in the town centre.

The report did not say which street would require residents to get permits for, but the council is initially considering those which surround the railway station in Johnstone.

A council spokesperson said: “We are currently inviting comments from residents on the parking impact assessments carried out earlier this year which looks at a series of measures we could take to improve the parking situation in both towns.

“To help us gather feedback we have arranged two drop-in open conversation events next week in Johnstone and Renfrew to which residents can come along. These have been scheduled before the deadline for responses of next Friday.

“These events will not cover anything which isn’t in the published documents and the online survey. They have been organised to make sure anyone who would like to ask a question in person, or who does not have IT access, is able to offer their feedback.

“Anyone who wishes to come along can of course attend either the Johnstone or Renfrew event.”

The consultation will run between 1pm and 8pm on Monday, July 25, in the Johnstone Town Hall and all are welcome.