A ROW over access to a church car park in Cardross has taken a bizarre turn - after a Twitter account was set up to protest against a controversial parking ban.
The St Mahew's Church Car Park account (@StMahewsCarPark) was set up by an unknown person last week - and posts in the first person, pretending to be the car park itself.
The account was established in response to the Archdiocese of Glasgow's decision to restrict parking near the historic religious site in Cardross.
A barrier was installed in December limiting vehicular access to ground across from the chapel which had been used regularly by residents and visitors.
Scott Elliott, who lives just outside the village and near to the church, told the Advertiser he and many of his fellow residents were “appalled” by the “mean spirited act”.
READ MORE: Barrier at Cardross car park sparks unholy row between church and villagers
And the new social media page has carried on the complaints by claiming it is "feeling so empty inside I could cry".
Among the page's posts, the 'car park' stated the morning after Burns Night: "Bit hungover from last night but I’m here ready for work if anybody needs me. (And if the church unlocks the barrier, of course.)"
Another Tweet says: "I need a new career. Anybody need a concourse? Maybe a small plaza? Willing to do anything. I just want to be used by someone. Anyone."
This is just up the road from me. That's Big Davey parked in a passing place. He knows he shouldn't park there, but the Doctor said "Davey, you need to get out walking more." Davey had been using me for parking every couple of days for the last year or so. Ah well. pic.twitter.com/MN7R6qq4Fn
— St Mahew's Church Car Park (@StMahewsCarPark) January 27, 2022
Referencing the ongoing 'partygate' scandal, the page also says: "Such a waste of space - I could be utilised for a work event, or maybe a party."
Following our story in last week's paper, Cardross resident Janet Peattie contacted the Advertiser to say: "In the article, the spokesman for the Archdiocese gives a misleading impression of the usage of the church.
"At present, the only services held regularly at St Mahew's (apart from weddings and funerals) are on a Saturday evening.
Today is the memorial of St John Bosco, who said ‘Laziness is the mother of all vices.’ If you can hear me Don, I know it looks like I’m idle but I want to work, people want to use me. The church boss just won’t let them. #stbosco #donbosco pic.twitter.com/kjCiQLeZ3s
— St Mahew's Church Car Park (@StMahewsCarPark) January 31, 2022
"This is not the daily use that the spokesman states. In light of this it seems uncharitable to permanently close access to the car park.
"We recognise that it is a private facility, however it has been a welcome amenity for those wishing to enjoy the countryside around Cardross.
"This closure is damaging relations between the local community and the church.
"To date there has been no attempt to discuss this issue with the local residents. Surely some compromise can be reached."
The Archdiocese of Glasgow has been contacted for further comment.
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