Campaigners are staging a final push in a bid to force council chiefs into a U-turn over controversial plans to impose parking charges in Johnstone and Renfrew.

The Gazette previously revealed that Renfrewshire Council wants to charge motorists up to £2.90 to leave their cars in either town centre.

Consultants hired by the local authority to gauge public opinion met with representatives of Johnstone Community Council (JCC) and Johnstone Business Consortium (JBC) last week, with both organisations stressing they are strongly opposed to the proposals.

And, with the consultation process nearing its end, campaigners are urging people to sign their petition which calls for the plan to be scrapped.

Tom Wallace, JCC chairman, said: “By the end of the hour-long meeting, it was felt we had attended a sales pitch for what the administration wanted to do.

“People in Johnstone are becoming increasingly angry that their view is being overridden by an administration that says it will adhere to the wishes of the people but seems to be more than willing to ignore them.”

Allan Henderson, JBC chairman, added: “I hope the consultants will look at the facts and use common sense.

“The consultation period is nearing its end, so I urge anyone who hasn’t signed the petition to do so.”

Parking charges are already in operation in Paisley town centre, with council leaders keen to expand the ‘pay zones’ to Johnstone and Renfrew.

On weekdays, motorists would have to fork out 40p for 30 minutes, rising to £2.90 for a four-hour stay.

Councillor Andy Doig, who represents Johnstone North, Kilbarchan, Howwood and Lochwinnoch as an Independent has challenged the consultants and council chiefs to produce evidence that parking charges will boost town centre businesses.

However, council leader Iain Nicholson has defended the consultation process.

He said: “There has been considerable research done regarding parking measures and how they affect retail areas and town centres and, in particular, ones with rail links.

“The point of the current consultancy work is to ascertain the views of the public which will inform any decision that the council makes.

“The council makes decisions based on facts and evidence, not unsubstantiated claims.

“We have said all along we would not be looking to implement proposals if there was no clear identifiable benefit to the communities concerned.