Protestors say council rules on Arbroath motorhome stays is "pants"

Suu Wighton and Karen Elliot are pictured with some of the disgruntled Motorhome owners in front of the new sign. (Wallace Ferrier)

Angus Council recently changed the permitted use of the motorhome parking area, restricting ‘vanners’ to one-night stays only.

There has been dismay among some users regarding the decision, which affects the well-used spot between Arbroath FC's ground Gayfield Park and the Signal Tower Museum.

Motorhome owners have claimed that they are doing no harm by parking there, and that they boost the local economy by bringing money into the town.

Motorhome owner John Kennedy from Airdrie said at the weekend that he and his wife enjoy Arbroath, and have been visiting the town for more than 40 years, while John Stewart from Forfar said the council “didn`t have to do this, as we’re not bothering anybody.

Local Artist`s Karen Elliot and Suu Wighton, who call themselves ‘The Pants Collective’, staged their own protest by hanging several pairs of panties over the new sign at the parking area.

Karen said: “‘But it’s pants’ reflects the dismay we felt at the council banishing vanners to one-night only stays - a real fun killer. The joy of being out in the open, the significant money spent much of the year, gone with one sign.

"We urge the council to reconsider. Talk to vanners, many of whom are local, and are happy to pay nightly charges like elsewhere. These alone would pay for installation of water and sanitation facilities, which would pay for itself instead of the council having to find a budget.

"It would attract more people to the area. The local spend at shops, restaurants, on smokies and at cinema is considerable, as we feel particularly now that Arbroath cannot afford to lose that tourist and visitor economy. The history of people and the shoreline here is long and rich – let’s not lose that."

A council spokesman said the signs have been erected with a view to managing motorhomes staying overnight and to providing guidance to owners.

He said: “While Angus Council will continue to monitor the use of the area during the summer months, we anticipate any visitors using the site will be supportive of following the self-enforcing guidance provided.”