Residents and visitors have had to pay for parking in the town centre in recent weeks, whereas before there was no charge to park.

The issue of paying for parking in the town was brought up at last week’s community council meeting, with one member saying that the lack of free parking was having an adverse affect on the town.

Dave Allan said: “I’m seeing more closed shops, less shoppers. I think it’s just greed on the council’s part.” However, councillor Richard Traill said that the consultation would be going ahead - and members of the public could get their ideas heard.

He said: “You will be pleased to know that you will get your say on parking at the end of March.” The consultation was meant to take place in February, which one of the members of the meeting raised with Councillor Trail.

Norman Muir said: “This consultation has skipped a month, I think that this is dragging on, the council ought to bring it forward, it was pernicious to take away the two hour free parking, it was wrong.” Councillor Traill answered: “Parking is a difficult issue.”