HUNDREDS CALL FOR BUS STATION TO BE SAVED

Over 500 sign the letter to PKC

Mary Graham and daughter Christine Graham of the Bus’y’Bite cafe More than 500 people have lodged objections to the council opposing plans which could see Perth Bus Station demolished. A letter was sent to businesses and residents around the Leonard Street station by Perth and Kinross Council, indicating the bus station site could be offered to developers in the local authority’s local development plan (LDP2).

This would include plans to renovate the ageing building, as well as plans to completely knock it down to make way for flats or a hotel.

The letter stated this could mean the “developing of a 0.6 hectare site for improved bus station, or housing, hotel, leisure or office uses if an alternative location for the bus station is found”.

Since then, the station’s cafe

Bus‘y’Bite has collected over 500 letters in support of keeping the business open, which the owners, motheranddaughterMary and Christine Graham, have handed in to the local authority.

Christine Graham said she and her mum would be“devastated”to lose their cafe, as her mum has put everything she has into their business. The pair added should the bus station be demolished and relocated, there would be no guarantee the cafe would also be relocated to the new site.

She said:“They [the council] are not telling us anything. We all got the same letter saying they are looking to make a proposal to either keep and improve the station, or knock it down and potentially build flats or a hotel.

“The letter asked for signatures of opinion from the public, and we managed to get over 500 signatures and nice letters from our customers. We have a lot of really, really nice and loyal customers and although it was not under good circumstances, it was so nice to read all those letters.

“I handed the signatures in and asked to speak to someone in planning, but was told they were too busy.”

She added:“We would be devastated if the cafe was to close, because we love working together. My mum has put everything into it, she loves it.

“So many older people come here too, it is a brilliant cafe and it would be sad to see it go. And, I can’t think of a better location.”

Some of the letters the cafe handed in to the council have pleaded with officials to make sure the cafe stays where it is.

One letter said:“I cannot believe what I have heard about you closing the cafe in the bus station. It is such a popular place with loads of people always in there [and] it is great for people who have to wait for the buses to have a coffee, and the workers and bus staff want coffees and sandwiches too.

“The owners are out of this world and so cheerful and will do what they can for everyone, so please leave the cafe where it is.”

They said:“This place could be redeveloped and kept here. There is a very strong public opinion that the bus station should be kept. Again a knee jerk reaction from the council.

“The people within the walls of 2 High Street are totally clueless. They are so far detached from real life and reality it is absolutely frightening.

“Get a grip you lot, and listen to public opinion for once.”

Perth and Kinross Council were approached for comment but had not responded before the PA went to press.