Representatives from Ward 18 (Motherwell South East and Ravenscraig), including councillors Alan Valentine, Kaye Harmon and Thomas Lunny, want permanent parking spaces for the long-suffering residents of the 18-storey Brandon Court.

At a meeting of the Motherwell and District Local Area Partnership last Wednesday, Cala Properties, who own Brandon Shopping Centre and the parking facilities in the surrounding area, announced initial plans for 36 spaces directly outside the tower and 15 adjacent to the property.

It was also suggested that a further 15 spaces would be on Menteith Road.

The Motherwell councillors have, however, deemed this allocation unacceptable and are furious that they and the residents' association at Brandon Tower have not been involved in negotiations between Cala Properties Ltd and council officials.

Councillor Alan Valentine said: "The tenants were led to believe that they would be involved in the discussions and they have clearly not been.

"The number of spaces that is being suggested for over 100 residents is unacceptable."

Mr MacConnell added: "We will move heaven and earth to help out as best we can but there are constraints in the area behind Brandon Parade South."

Full story in January 28 edition of Times & Speaker