Cut to temporary free car parking spaces in Castle Street Car Park behind Inverness Town House
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Signs for temporary free spaces have been removed from an Inverness city centre car park.
They were introduced at the Inverness Town House facility during the festive period and were due to run until January 2.
This meant that motorists could take advantage of a free maximum stay of 30 minutes, Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm, in the front part of the car park.
They were intended to be used for short-stay duration to help local businesses with pick-up/drop-off space to assist with delivery and customer collections.
Contractors were spotted removing the signage last month.
The fact that the free spaces were not made permanent has been criticised by a local businesswoman.
Denise Collins, who runs the Castle Gallery, which is opposite the car park, has been campaigning for the car park to be available to the public at all times.
It is currently reserved for the exclusive daytime use by Highland councillors and council staff.
She said: “Although very poorly publicised, this facility was being used by customers to the small, local, independent businesses on Castle Street and nearby areas.
“The termination of this facility shows an appalling lack of judgement on the part of the council, especially in light of the Scottish Government’s recent announcement of funds to promote city centre footfall recovery.”
Last month, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced a financial package aimed specifically at promoting the city centre footfall recovery which Inverness Business Improvement Group (BID) is working on.
A council spokesman said: “The council was pleased to be able to temporarily permit extended public access to the Castle Street car park, Inverness.
“This was done to support city centre businesses during the festive season. The availability of the additional parking offer was popular and the council will be looking at further opportunities to extend public access to the car park again in the future.
“Meantime, the Castle Street car park remains available to the public, pay and display, after 5pm Monday to Friday and all day Saturday and Sunday.”
