THE boss of Inverclyde Council has been criticised for using a disabled parking space — because his own is unavailable.

Local authority chief executive Aubrey Fawcett has used the bay in the carriageway outside Greenock Town Hall as his usual spot is out of bounds due to ongoing repairs to the Municipal Buildings.

The space is supposed to be for blue badge holders and the council boss is under fire for using it.

Mr Fawcett took over the top job from John Mundell who retired in September.

He was previously director of environment and regeneration and latterly chief executive of Riverside Inverclyde for three years.

A source told the Tele: “While staff that work in the council need to get to work early to find a space, it’s disappointing that the person who’s supposed to be setting an example leading the organisation thinks it’s okay to use a disabled parking bay because he’s been inconvenienced by a bit of building work.

“Where would we be if everyone adopted this attitude?”
The parking bay criticism comes after the Tele received a copy of a letter of complaint made about Mr Fawcett by members of a well-known Greenock charity over a dispute outside the town hall.

Incensed volunteers had accused the £117,000-a-year council boss of ‘aggressive finger waving’ and a ‘bullying attitude’ after he took issue with a minibus being parked at the entrance.

The vehicle was dropping off OAPs and nuns for a charity ball which has been held at the venue for more than a decade.

The letter, which was addressed to Mr Fawcett, said: “We would like to give you the opportunity to explain why you behaved in such a disgraceful manner.”

The Tele understands that the chief executive has since met with the group and the matter has been resolved.

A council spokesman said today: “Parking is made available to and paid for by the chief executive.

“There is also a single space marked as a disabled bay to be used by one specific councillor.

“Occasionally the space has been used by visitors and others, but only when it is available.

“It should be stressed the carriageway is not a public road.”