Hopes for end to parking row
Castle Water acquires additional spaces
Blairgowrie and Rattray Community Council has given a cautious welcome to news that Castle Water has secured additional car parking space in the centre of the town. Local businesses and
members of the public have repeatedly raised concerns about employees of the firm taking up significant numbers of parking spaces, particularly in the Riverside car park and surrounding area.
Complaints included those from parents of young children who were unable to use the play park at the Riverside as they could not find a parking space there and local businesses whose staff and customers were considerably inconvenienced by the lack of parking.
It was also claimed that cars were double-parked in the area and in some cases had even been left on the flower beds at the park.
One local business owner, who did not wish to be named, said: “One of our members of staff drove round the town for seven miles trying to find somewhere to park while they were at work.
“Another leaves half an hour earlier in the morning now to make sure they find a space.
“It has affected our customers too, which could have had an impact on business, but fortunately they managed to make other arrangements.”
At a previous community council meeting it was reported that on at least one occasion 22 cars had been parked in the Riverside car park at once – and that a number of them were double-parked, blocking access.
However, at the most recent meeting of the local council it emerged that since Castle Water had acquired additional car parking along the Haugh Road spaces had been freed up at Riverside.
In a statement the independent water retailer said it recognised the pressure on local car parking for other businesses and residents and has leased additional car parking space a short walk from its offices.
The company said that about half of its employees who work in Blairgowrie also live in the local area and it has a green travel plan, encouraging employees to walk to work, use public transport and car share.
There are also covered bike racks at the offices in Blairgowrie.
CEO John Reynolds, who lives in Rattray, said: “Castle Water started off based in Blairgowrie and has made a conscious choice to stay in the town as it has grown, including investing in training and development. We want to continue to be based in Blairgowrie and to be good neighbours to our many friends who run local businesses and supply us with services.
“We hope that by taking new car parking space ourselves we can reduce pressure on town centre parking.
“We will continue to encourage our colleagues to treat the local area responsibly.
“Many Castle Water employees live in Blairgowrie and benefit from being able to work in the same town where they live.”
Blairgowrie and Glens councillor Caroline Shiers said: “I have been aware for months now of local concern and, indeed, annoyance at parking issues in Lower Mill Street and in particular at the car park at the Riverside.
“I have been in regular contact with Castle Water and Perth and Kinross Council regarding these issues and how they could be alleviated.
“The jobs Castle Water have brought to the town and the huge investment in Blairgowrie and Rattray, partnership working with the high school and employment opportunities for local people are significant, so I was delighted to hear of Castle Water taking proactive steps to secure additional local parking, which I trust will free up on-street parking on Lower Mill Street and, importantly, allow increased turnover of parking in the riverside car park which will allow it to be used by visitors, dog walkers and people taking children to the popular play area.
“I thank Castle Water for listening to local opinion and for taking steps to address these issues and look forward to continuing to work with them.”