A petition has been launched against £55,000 plans to replace a pedestrian crossing in Castle Douglas.
Dumfries and Galloway Council wants the pelican crossing on King Street to be replaced with a puffin crossing at a cost of £55,000.
Such crossings are deemed safe and easier for disabled people to use – but the work would result in the loss of as many as seven parking spaces on King Street.
Castle Douglas postmaster Colin Wilson, who has created the petition, said: “If there had been a large number of incidents and there was a safety issue, I’ve no problem paying £55,000 to make people safe.
“But I’ve been here for 32 years and I’m not aware of any incidents.
“£55,000 could be used for lots of other improvements and upgrades. I just feel it’s being spent in the wrong area.
“It will result in the loss of six or seven parking spaces which are right outside the Post Office.
“I think the reduction in parking spaces would be detrimental – it would have an effect on my business and I would imagine businesses round about.
“A lot of older customers or young mums park there and jump into the Post Office or across the road to the chemist.
“If there is a need for upgrading I can perfectly understand that as we’re all for inclusion and disability rights, but the loss of six or seven spaces seems crazy when the pelican is working perfectly adequately at the moment.”
The petition will be available to sign in the Post Office for the next few weeks.
Castle Douglas Community Council discussed the matter at their January meeting. Treasurer Martin Fortnum, said: “Members agreed we would not like to see anything done.
“It is a large amount of money to be spent and it would result in the loss of six or seven parking spaces as the zig zag lines would have to be moved.
“The secretary is going to write a letter of objection to the council.”
Puffin crossings are similar to pelican crossings, although use sensors to detect when people are crossing and keep the lights at red until they have made it safely to the other side.
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The green and red light signals are on the same side as the button to be pressed and there are extra signals to make deaf and blind people aware of when it is safe to cross.
People have until February 20 to make their views known to the council and formal objections will result in a decision being made by Stewartry area committee.
A council spokesman said: “The existing pelican crossing on King Street, in Castle Douglas, has reached the end of its intended design life and our council has a maintenance programme to replace old pelican crossings with new puffin crossings.
“To meet our statutory obligations, the pedestrian crossing upgrade is being designed to comply with the Equality Act 2010, current guidance and national standards.
“We acknowledge this will result in some loss of on-street parking, but it will improve road safety and protect all users of the crossing.
“A preliminary works cost of the project is £55,000.”