War of words erupts over roadworks delay

TWO leading Perth councillors have become embroiled in a war of words over a delay in completing a £1 million roadworks project.

Perth and Kinross Council last week announced work being carried out in the city’s High Street would be put back by two weeks, leading to a bitter spat between Peter Barrett and John Kellas.

Mr Barrett claimed he only became aware of the delay when he read about it in a newspaper and accused the authority of a lack of communication.

Mr Kellas countered by stating the focus should be on “positive” aspects of t he project.

The roadworks programme is being undertaken as part of the £10m refurbishment of Perth and Kinross Council’s High Street headquarters.

The Tay Street end of the High Street is closed to traffic until October 7. The local authority claims the delay has been caused by “unforeseen circumstances” and “other complications” on site.

Mr Barrett said: “It is unacceptable for local businesses to find out about this in the same way (through the press).”

Mr Kellas said he was “disappointed” that Councillor Barrett has chosen to focus “negatively” over “muchneeded” improvements.

A council spokesperson said: “The project has i nvolved upgrading the l ower High Street using high-quality materials and street furniture.”