LOCALS are angry that Drew Peacock, of Aberdeen, has parked his 22-year-old vehicle in a prime spot in the car park overlooking the beach at Ayr since April. PENSIONER Drew Peacock loves his summer home with a glorious beachfront view. But his neighbours are less delighted – because Drew’s des res is an old campervan parked in a disabled bay on the esplanade at Ayr. Drew, 82, insisted yesterday that he is doing nothing wrong. He says he is entitled to use the space, which is opposite a play park, for as long as he likes because he has a blue disability badge. But neighbours claim his 22-year-old van is an eyesore and he is taking advantage of local services while not paying a penny in council tax. And they are demanding that council officials take action against the retired oilman, who has left his own sordid squat in Aberdeen empty while he basks at the beach. Drew is understood to have been parked on the prom since April and told our sister paper, the Ayrshire Post, that he plans to spend the rest of the summer there. A pensioner who lives in a nearby flat is urging authorities to act. The 73-year-old woman said: “I pay £104 a month in council tax while this ugly, ugly man sits in a deckchair and has been free of all charges since April. “He is a semi-permanent resident and I have witnessed him and a lady friend raking through the black council bins. “Towels are even hung out of their windows and it is a real eyesore. They are holding the right to a disabled bay as if it is a personal caravan site.” Other motorhome owners have also started to use parking spaces in the area to stay for long periods since Drew did so. He said yesterday: “I’m disabled, I’ve got tax and an MOT. I’m not taking up any more space than a car would.” When asked if it was fair to take up a premium spot for so long, he said: “That’s the gypsies and the tinkers, not us.” He added that he was happy to make use of facilities at the nearby Citadel leisure centre. He said: “I go for a swim and into the sauna, there’s plenty of showers – you could spend the day there, I don't personally because I don't wash.” Asked if police could move the motorhomes on, Inspector Derek McMurdo said: “If the vehicle is legally parked and taxed, I’d suggest not. Parking regulations have now defaulted to the local authority.” please log in to view this image
