Pavilion blaze bid sparks action call
Fears anti-social behaviour in Crieff ‘getting worse’
Residents of a Perthshire town are calling for action on anti- social behaviour that is blighting the area.
Anti-social behaviour at Market Park, home of Vale of Earn FC in Crieff, has been escalating in recent weeks with doors to the changing rooms being set alight.
There were also attempts to light fires in Sauchie Park the same night, while in August, a number of hay bales were set on fire in a field in Broich Road.
Vale of Earn committee members are concerned things are getting out of control.
A spokesperson for the club said: “Somebody said they had seen young ones at the door. The fire brigade was called and had to put the fire out and check inside.
“I think everyone in town feels that things are getting worse and I think it is only a matter of time before something more serious happens.
“People of Crieff raised the money years ago for the pavilion. The pavilion is in a state of disrepair as it is but things like this are just making it harder for us to stay on top of it. We are trying to keep up with the maintenance but we have no funds to spend on it. It suffered flood damage in the past 10 years and it’s local guys on the team that have fixed things.”
The Vale committee is vexed that nothing seems to be getting done about the acts of vandalism and littering. They added: “Every weekend the area is used as a drinking den and the mess that we have to tidy up before every single game is unbelievable.’’
Perth and Kinross Council leases Market Park from Crieff Highland Gathering for 11 months a year and the club thinks the local authority should do more to help tidy up.
Anna McLean, chair of Crieff Highland Gathering, said they are looking into putting in security measures for their large green shed at Market Park, which would enhance security and help deter anti-social behaviour.
She added: “I would encourage anyone who is witnessing or hearing destruction in or around the Market Park to report it to police.”
It comes after the PA reported on increased anti-social behaviour in towns like Crieff and Scone.
A spokesperson for PKC said: “Market Park receives a weekly litter collection, and additional clean-ups can also be carried out, subject to available resources. We would continue to encourage people to dispose responsibly of their litter and make use of the waste bins available on site, as this would help to resolve any issues.’’