A MOVE will be made this week to oust controversial parking contractors APCOA.

Cllr Norman Critchley, the deputy leader of Bolton Conservatives, has put a motion to full council saying he is "appalled" at the methods used by the German company.

And he states that despite warnings to be more lenient with parkers, their methods are continuing to damage the town.

The parking attendants have been unpopular since they were appointed in August 2000. Traders, tourists, residents and councillors have all complained about a so-called "vulture culture" and have accused them of slowly killing the town.

Disabled people, shoppers just minutes over their allotted time have all claimed they have been unfairly booked.

Hundreds of letters and complaints have been received by the Bolton Evening News.

Cllr Critchley says the company which carries out the contract for the council has not stuck to the rules.

He said: "How many complaints do we need - the message from the public is clear and it is time that the council took action."

He added: "There has got to be a degree of tolerance. If someone is parked on double yellow lines they should have a few minutes grace." The Liberal Democrats are also supporting the motion and are calling for a clarification of council policy on parking.

The new Executive member for parking Cllr Guy Harkin said that the council is carrying out a "fundamental review" of parking policy. They say that Cllr Critchley is premature with his motion.

"We are going to be looking at a whole range of issues including the use of cameras to provide photographic evidence of illegal parking and Sunday parking."

The full council meeting takes place at the town hall on Wednesday at 7pm.

A spokesman for APCOA was unavailable for comment.