Fears changes may pose risks
Perth residents are pushing back against council plans to restrict drivers’ access and make alterations to city streets near schools over fears the changes will in fact increase the risk of accidents and collisions occurring.
The local authority recently set out proposals to curb the number of vehicles allowed on roads around Perth Academy, Fairview School and Viewlands Primary at busy times as well as make physical changes to some streets to make it safer for pupils to walk to school.
The proposals involve restricting drivers’ access to Murray Place, Murray Terrace, Viewlands Place, Viewlands Terrace, Fraser Terrace, Oakbank Crescent and part of Oakbank Place and providing designated drop- off points along Viewlands Road, Oakbank Road and Fairies Road.
But householders living in Fairies Road are unhappy as the proposals also involve reducing the width of its carriageway to six metres so the council can create a new pavement along its eastern side for pupils and pedestrians to walk on.
They say the road is already heavily used by cars, buses and heavy goods vehicles and reducing its width will only increase the chances of vehicles mounting pavements and striking passers-by or colliding with other vehicles moving in the opposite direction.
They reckon the risk of an accident or collision occurring in their street will be further heightened by the increased number of vehicles redirected to their road by the restrictions being enforced elsewhere.
The same residents say they were left out of any conversations that were had about the changes being introduced unlike those living in the streets where vehicular access will be restricted and are most likely to benefit from the scheme once it comes into effect.
It’s understood the council intends to issue special permits to residents of the streets where traffic is to be curbed that would allow them to continue to drive freely in and out during busy times but it’s not clear how this will be policed at present.
Fairies Road resident David Milsom (66) told the PA this week on behalf of a group of concerned householders living on the street: “We believe narrowing the road will make the options for parents dropping off their children even riskier than they were before.”
Mr Milsom said the group reckon
It’s pumpkin time and Cinderella needs some magic to turn one into a coach to get to the ball.
Perth Theatre is inviting the people of Perth and beyond to join Cinderella and pals this Christmas as the traditional festive panto returns to the stage.
Barrie Hunter, who writes and directs as well as starring in Cinderella, said: “We can’t wait to share our story of Cinderella with our lovely Perth panto pals – the brilliant audiences who come along and support us year in, year out.
“Our all-singing, all-dancing cast are going to have a ball entertaining you and making sure you all have the best time ever – with hilarious gags, sensational songs and everything else it takes to make Cinderella the most fun you’ll have all year.”
Favourite dame for a decade now, Barrie is joined by Ewan Somers, who last donned frock and heels in Perth Theatre’s Snow White and the Seven one option council officials didn’t explore properly before deciding to build the new pavement was taking the space for it from school grounds further to the east rather than taking it from the carriageway.
He went on: “It just feels like we’re in a situation where unelected people are imposing their will on residents – it doesn’t feel very fair.”
Perth City South councillor Willie Wilson, who convened a special meeting between residents and council officials this week to go over the group’s concerns, commented: “Intensive discussions are taking place at present between local residents, council officers and local members in an attempt to resolve some of the issues that have been raised by residents.
Dames in 2018.
Together they form a hilarious Ugly Sisters double act.
Boo- able baddie Helen Logan returns as the Wicked Stepmother and Betty Valencia makes her Perth Theatre debut as Cinderella.
Lewis Winter Petrie plays Buttons and the Prince and Neshla Caplan is the Fairy Godmother.
This version sees Cinderella working thanklessly in her late father’s shop.
Her work-mate and best pal Buttons is furious that she’s so badly treated, the business is modernising and loyal shop staff are being laid off.
On from Saturday, November 27 until Friday, December 31, Cinderella has a preview performance on Friday, November 26.
For tickets and info visit www.horsecross.co.uk, call the ticketing team on 01738 621031 or visit Perth Theatre between 10am and 4pm Monday to Friday.
“There is no doubt communications on the matter have not been good but we must now go forward and try and work together to resolve some of the residents’ concerns.”
A council spokesperson said: “It is our intention to introduce a school exclusion zone (SEZ) around Viewlands Primary School, Fairview School and Perth Academy in an effort to restrict unnecessary traffic movement at school times and ensure road safety.
“Traffic will be displaced from Oakbank Crescent when the SEZ is activated, and some of it will relocate to Fairies Road. This will only be for the duration of the restriction – a short period of time each morning and afternoon during term time.
“The exclusion zone is being introduced as a trial, using a Temporary Traffic Regulation Order. The trial can stay in place for a maximum period of 18 months.
“Travel patterns and displaced parking will be monitored during the trial which will be followed by a full consultation with local residents and key stakeholders to ascertain whether it should become a permanent feature of the area.
“The new footway on Fairies Road is currently under construction and will be a great asset for the children going to and from school as well as residents of the area, regardless of the SEZ being made permanent or not.”