AN ONLINE petition against the proposed increase in fees at Arrochar car parks had gained nearly 3,000 signatures in two weeks as of yesterday (Wednesday).

The campaign was set up a fortnight ago after plans were announced to up charges at car parks in the village from £1 to £9 for an entire day - an 800 per cent increase.

It is claimed by the moderators of the petition that the new prices penalise walkers and climbers trying to take exercise in the countryside.

A statement on the petition’s home page reads: “The proposed increase in charges appears out of proportion to both the facilities on offer and to the parking fees in the surrounding area.

“It shows a lack of common sense and awareness of the far-reaching consequences such a decision will have.

“The Cobbler is possibly the most popular hill in Scotland and has always been available for ordinary people to enjoy, regardless of varying levels of fitness due to its proximity to centres of population and excellent paths allowing easy access to the lower slopes.

“Making the parking fees so expensive will put such valuable, and previously affordable exercise, out of reach for a lot of people, thereby denying them a basic right to fresh air and exercise

“The proposed increase in the parking charge is going to have far-reaching effects.

“It will be a deterrent to those wishing to roam in open spaces, curtailing people’s freedom.

“Walkers on social networks - are already stating that if this goes ahead they will not be going back to Arrochar.”

The petition can be found at https://www.change.org/p/petition-argyll-bute-council-against-raising-parking-fees-at-arrochar-car-parks-by-800

An Argyll and Bute Council spokesman declined to comment when contacted by the Advertiser.