Controversial new charges for blue badges in Fife have prompted widespread anger, a Glenrothes community leader has claimed.
David Nelson, chairman of the Auchmuty and Dovecot Tenants and Residents Association, says that he has had overwhelming public support since he spoke out over the proposed levy last month.
The £20 fee is to be introduced by Fife Council next April to cover processing costs for the disabled parking badges and the move has angered some of those affected.
Mr Nelson believes that the authority is treating disabled people as an easy target as it seeks to plug a £77 million hole in its finances.
“Everyone I have spoken to about it has agreed with me,” said the 58-year-old.
“I’ve not heard anybody say anything otherwise.
“This affects a lot of people, not just the disabled, and the council should be looking for savings elsewhere.”
The £20 charge was approved earlier this year as part of a raft of changes to help the council balance its books.
It is projected that the fee will save the local authority about £120,000 a year in administration fees, with the sum charged in accordance with Scottish Government guidelines.
The council has defended its decision to implement the charge, with Fife currently one of just three regions in Scotland that does not charge for the processing of blue badge applications.
However, Mr Nelson, himself a badge holder, is to host a public meeting later this month for what he sees as an attack on some of Fife’s most vulnerable residents.
Keen for as many politicians to attend as possible, Mr Nelson added: “I’ll be writing letters to all councillors and putting them in their pigeon holes.
“I want as many to come along as possible to hear what we have to say.”
The meeting will take place at 7pm on Wednesday April 22 at the CISWO, North Street, Glenrothes.