Lack of bus service criticised

A BUS operator has come under fire for its failure to provide a service to one fledgling estate on the edge of Perth, while doing so for another.

Stagecoach is catering for Bertha Park on the city’s western edge while Oudenarde, by Bridge of Earn, is still awaiting a service – despite more than twice as many houses being occupied.

Stagecoach launched its extended number four service at the beginning of the summer, which connects the city centre with Bertha Park via Inveralmond industrial estate.

The extension was subsidised by both the council and Bertha Park housing developers Springfield, where 101 houses have been built – 38 occupied and a further 23 reserved by buyers.

At Oudenarde – earmarked for about 1,500 homes – 92 are already built and occupied but they have no public transport to Perth.

The scheme has also suffered the loss of its GP surgery at nearby Bridge of Earn, with patients having to travel to Perth for appointments, making public transport vital.

A Stagecoach spokesman said: “We constantly review our network to identify customer demand and opportunities and are happy to welcome discussions with Perth and K i n r o ss C o u n c i l a n d housing developers in the future.” NEW members joined the Weaver Incorporation of Dundee at their Annual General Meeting and supper.

Guest speakers during the evening included Steve Murdoch, professor of early modern history at St Andrews University, and Evening Telegraph editor Dave Lord.

The event was held within the appropriate surroundings of the Weaver’s Room at the Verdant Works, and was attended by around 50 craftsmen and craftswomen. A FED-UP resident brandished a metal pole and made threats during a row wit h h i s noi sy neighbours.

George Wotherspoon is awaiting sentence after flying into a rage in what was described as a “moment of madness” by his solicitor.

The 57-year-old claimed he had suffered around two years of problems, including drugs misuse and noise, from an unruly couple in his block on Byron Street before he decided to take matters into his own hands.

Dundee Sheriff Court heard that police were contacted on the night in question over reports of shouting and screaming coming from a common close.

As officers approached the landing between the ground and first floors, they could hear a male voice shouting: “******* mon then”.

Prosecutor Laura Bruce said: “As they turned around the corner on the stairs they saw the accused brandishing a metal pole.

“On seeing officers, the accused retreated into his home address and stood in the hallway with the