FURY has erupted in Johnstone and Renfrew after calls to give councillors from the area a say on the controversial car parking proposals were rejected.

At the meeting of the full council last Thursday, a motion demanding the issue be discussed at the next full meeting of the council in September was thrown out after it failed to secure the enough votes.

Now, the fate of the controversial proposals will be decided by the Infrastructure, Land, and Environment Board in August, where only four members from the towns are on the 15-strong board.

Allan Henderson, chairman of the Johnstone Business Consortium, who has gained over 4,000 signatures on a petition against the charges, said: "This is going against the wishes of the people of Johnstone and they need to take a good hard look at themselves.

"The people of Johnstone voted for our local councillors to represent us, not to go along with the wishes of Paisley.

"But, we will continue to fight this. I can assure you of that."

Traders and residents in Johnstone could face paying up to £50 per vehicle after a recent study by Renfrewshire Council concluded charging people who live or run a business in the town centre.

The report did not say which streets would require residents to get permits for, but the council is initially considering those which surround the railway station in Johnstone.

Councillor Andy Doig, who represents Johnstone North, Kilbarchan, Howwood and Lochwinnoch, said: "They shouldn't be trying to foist poor decision on the people of Johnstone and Renfrew.

"Car parking charges in Johnstone would absolutely devastate the town centre and kill of the community of Johnstone and the business of Johnstone.

"We'll fight tooth and nail against this."

However, Jacqueline Cameron, councillor for Johnstone South and Elderslie, who is a member of the board and voted against the motion, insisted the board had been given a democratic remit by the council.

She added: "As a member of the board I have always been available to listen to and consider the views of the public and the community groups in Johnstone who've left us in do doubt of their feelings on this matter and I will continue to represent them and take forward their thoughts on this matter."

Her views were supported by Emma Rodden, councillor for Johnstone North, Kilbarchan, Howwood and Lochwinnoch, who insisted she was confident all views expressed would be given due respect and consideration.