Pathway condition branded ‘disgrace’

A POPULAR Perth walkway has been branded “a disgrace” after becoming overgrown and strewn with rubbish.

Local councillor John Flynn said the Lade is in desperate need of an overhaul.

“I’ve never seen it in such a state,” Mr Flynn said. “It’s totally overgrown in parts.

“Instead of cyclists using pavements, the council should be promoting the Lade as a safe cycling route.

“What could be a very pleasant walking route is a complete disgrace.”

Carole Noble, head of environmental services at Keep Scotland Beautiful, said vegetation is not the only problem.

She added: “Our recent reports on local environmental quality have highlighted a rise in incidents of littering and mess left behind by those irresponsible few who have no respect for our townscapes and countryside.

“However, more and more people are joining us in the fightback. More than 16,000 people are volunteering to clean up this spring.

“We need a zero tolerance attitude to litter and fly-tipping, so that our green spaces, like the Lade, can be clean and green for us all to enjoy.”

A spokeswoman for Perth and Kinross Council said: “The council’s greenspace partnership officer is in the process of working with interested community volunteers regarding how the Lade area can be improved.

“Additional funding of £50,000 for improving the Lade was agreed i n February as part of the council’s 2017-18 budget and we are currently looking at how this can most effectively be used.

“We carry out regular litter clearance in and around the Lade, including the removal of large items such as shopping trolleys when these arise.

“Vegetation on the banks is left to flourish and encourage biodiversity in this wildlife corridor in the centre of Perth.”

John with wife Louise and daughter Jamie.