A devoted Edinburgh local fears plans to introduce permit parking in his neighbourhood means he won’t be able to afford his volunteer group.
Colin Cornwall set up Keep Porty Tidy around five years ago with the aim of litter picking. After some time he moved onto weeding before taking it upon himself to remove the graffiti plaguing the town.
However transport chiefs are now consulting plans to introduce Controlled Parking Zones in Porty between 8.30am and 5.30pm Monday to Sunday.
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Existing CPZs across the city have seen yellow lines and parking places installed – credited with reducing traffic emissions and improving streets.
The 69-year-old worried he won’t be able to carry on his services due to the everyday costs he already faces. He argues the parking measures are unnecessary.
Speaking to Edinburgh Live, Colin said: “I don’t get any sponsorships or support from businesses for what I do. I pay for the running of it all including the insurance, tax and petrol.
“I was worried because my wife just retired last week so it was an income less for us which was adding to the burden of it all. I didn’t think I would be able to carry this on and run the van.
“The news came out about the proposed car parking zones and there was a huge outcry of people against the measures.
“We have a lovely beach so people flood to Portobello when the sun shines. But if you ask Porty residents – and I have lived here all my life – there isn’t a problem for 10 months of the year.
“It’s only in the height of the summer months that there is a hike in tourists. People here know it will be busy and the parking spaces will be taken but then it stops in the colder months. I just think the measures are a step too far.”
Thankfully Colin has now managed to raise £2000 through a GoFundMe thanks to the support from locals.
He added: “It’s amazing how much support I have got in a matter of days – I was lost for words. I didn’t think there was that much generosity and I have had so many people sending words of support.
“It looks like I can hopefully keep going but there was a real risk for my van and it is still concerning.”
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The consultation for the parking measures closed on May 23 and responses are now being analysed and reported back to elected members.
At a public meeting on Tuesday May 20, Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Stephen Jenkinson said: “We are seeking views on the CPZ, positive, negative, and neutral. But we reiterated a number of times that the way to engage with the consultation is through the formal process.
“To date there have been 1,300 comments and every single one of these comments will be responded to as part of the report that goes to committee. Officers will bring a suite of proposals, which the committee will vote on.”
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You can donate to Colin’s fundraiser here.