Concern asmore OAPs snubflu injection

Over 65s in Perth and Kinross are increasingly snubbing a flu shot, new figures have revealed.

Data shows that the percentage of ‘at risk’ over 65s getting vaccinated across the NHS Tayside region dropped from 57.2 per cent in 2014 to just 41.6 per cent in 2019 – well below the 75 per cent recommended by the World Health Organisation.

The number of nursery pupils being vaccinated also fell from 55.4 per cent in 2017 to 47.2 per cent last year.

The figures have sparked concern with the flu shot being seen as vital in the fight against COVID-19.

With the traditional flu season just around the corner, it is feared the NHS may not be able to cope with a potential second coronavirus wave on top of a bad flu season

Ochil and South Perthshire MP John Nicolson told the PA: “Flu jags are absolutely vital to protect the health of older and vulnerable citizens.”

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Companies around the incomplete St Paul’s Church transformation project are facing a new threat to business – pigeon poo.

The birds have been displaced since work resumed on the old church building at the top of the High Street in Perth, which Perth and Kinross Council plans to turn into an open public space.

The roosting pigeons have moved to roofs across the road and have created a mess outside nearby businesses.

Julie Young, who owns her 251 High Street dance studio premises, complains she is out “every other day” to clear her entrance way so children will be able to enter the building without walking through a health hazard.

Julie has forked out for antipigeon spikes to deter the nuisance birds.

“The St Paul’s Church area is a b **** y disgrace,” she blasted.

“The workmen downed tools in November. They are working there again now and I understand the scaffolding is

Why would we want to build a new road right where so many fought and died?

being taken down in the next week or two.

“Large numbers of birds that were roosting in the church are now congregating on the roof above my studio and on the adjoining McCash and Hunter solicitors’ roof too.

“I’ve been here for 15 years and I’ve never had this problem.

“I clean up as best I can. I would love to see the birds scared off, the mess they are making is disgusting.”

Julie pointed out how customers for Pizza Express are being directed to walk through the St Paul’s Church area to reach the restaurant.

“Walking by, with all the pigeon poo, I’m sure they do not get a good impression of our city centre.

“I’m thinking of buying more spikes, but this is yet another expense I face when I have had no income for months because I was not able to open my dance studio because of COVID-19 restrictions.”

Julie said a hair salon and a barber shop nearby also blamed the pigeons for causing a health hazard and a loss of amenity to their businesses.

Andy Lothian, boss at Ace Taxis a few doors down at 271 High Street, said he was “sick of it”.

“I shouldn’t have to do it, but I sweep it up and put it in a pile at the end of the close that runs between us and Mill Street,” Andy explained.

“I keep hoping that the council guys will come and take it away but they don’t.

“The pigeon mess is a nightmare. When it rains it’s really slippery. Someone is going to slip over and break their arm.”

A Perth and Kinross Council spokesperson said: “We stepped in to complete the project to transform St Paul’s Church after it stalled in 2017.

“Work was halted in winter last year because of low temperatures and the planned restart in April was delayed because of COVID-19 restrictions.

“When finished this will be a unique public space in the city centre, complementing the cultural and events spaces in Mill Street, Perth Theatre and the transformed Perth City Hall.”