Call to clean up streets

UNSIGHTLY vegetation sprouting from city centre rooftops and rubbishstrewn riverbanks are discouraging investment in Perth, a heritage watchdog has warned.

Perth Civic Trust has called for urgent action to spruce up some of the city’s most historic streets.

In his annual report, chairman David MacLehose praised the broad aims of the Perth City Plan – a 20-year vision – but said council bosses needed to focus more on seemingly “neglected and unloved” streets.

He said that without action, Perth will become less attractive to investors and will leave the Tory-led administration facing a “debilitating legacy”.

In response, council leader Murray Lyle has confirmed a campaign to spruce up Atholl Street is in the pipeline, supported by City Heritage Funding.

He pledged to work with property owners and Perth and Kinross Heritage Trust to address disrepair and make improvements.