Apology after disappearing disabled spaces return

Drivers trying to park at the back of the library and hub were baffled by the appearance of a brick wall and fencing . . . over the top of disabled bays.

The issue was raised in the Herald by concerned reader Peter McDade.

East Dunbartonshire Council said it was working to install a standby generator for the community hub.

It also pointed out that there were some disabled spaces left, with “alternative disabled parking bays at the Regent Centre car park should the hub car park be at capacity”.

That remark was slammed by locals. Council chiefs have since admitted they were wrong and confirmed that additional disabled parking spaces have been put in place.

Derek Cunningham, director of development and infrastructure at the council, said: “The temporary reduction in disabled parking bays at the William Patrick Library and Kirkintilloch Community Hub should not have happened.

“A mistake has been made and for this I would unreservedly apologise for any disruption, upset or inconvenience this has caused.

“Our commitment as a council is to ensure there is no reduction in disabled parking provision at any time and we have taken steps with additional temporary disabled bays now in place.

“They will remain until such times as works are complete and we increase the total number of disabled bays on a permanent basis.

“I would like to thank Mr McDade and the Kirkintilloch Herald for raising this matter with us and would again apologise.”

Mr McDade told the Herald: “It’s an amazing result. I’m absolutely delighted.”

The decision was also welcomed by Kirkintilloch pensioner Eunice Hunter, who criticised the council’s previous suggestion that disabled bays at the Regent Centre car park could be used, insisting the comment was “idiotic”.

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