Council will consider a booze ban bye-law
Stirling Council is to consider an alcohol ban on lochside areas around Balquhidder, Lochearnhead and Strathyre.
The community council has had concerns over increasing reports of antisocial behaviour and drunkenness, particularly on the outskirts of Strathyre and around Loch Earn.
It is requesting an alcohol bye-law covering the immediate shoreline and frontage for the various lochs in the area - the Northern end of Lubnaig, Lochs Voil and Doine in Balquhidder Glen and Loch Earn. Private properties will not be included in the restrictions.
Balquhidder, Lochearnhead and Strathyre Community Council has been looking into how to tackle antisocial behaviour and drunkenness in its area since 2012. The council delegated a member to participate in an initiative from the Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park under the heading of the Five Lochs Management Plan.
This followed on from a very successful attempt to tackle similar problems at East Loch Lomond Side, using a variety of approaches, including bye-laws in relation to camping and alcohol consumption.
It was noted that the scale of antisocial behaviour in that area had decreased markedly as a result and some members suggested that they should support the Five Lochs plan to provide something similar in their area.
A joint meeting was held in September 2014 with the community councils for the adjoining areas of Callander and St Fillans. The whole matter was discussed at some length, and it was noted that an alcohol byelaw was already in existence for Callander, where it was regarded very positively.
As a result, Balquhidder, Lochearnhead and Strathyre Community Council has unanimously opted to apply to Stirling Council for an alcohol bye-law in its own area.
It is believed St Fillans is seeking a similar provision from Perth & Kinross Council.
Paul Hicks, secretary of Balquhidder, Lochearnhead and Strathyre Community Council, said: “The main advantage of this legislation is that creates the opportunity for proactive solutions.
“Although there is existing national legislation concerning drunkenness and the behaviour that follows from it, enforcement can normally only take place effectively once offences have been committed.
“The alcohol bye-law is aimed more at preventing such offences taking place at all. It is also intended to work handin-hand with the camping bye-law, again with the aim of managing problems before they get out of hand or cause serious consequences.”
The community council believes that the proposed measures, of which the alcohol bye-law is but one element, will have a hugely positive impact for visitors to the area, encouraging families and foreign tourists to enjoy the environment without fear of aggressive or threatening behaviour, and with the chance to see unspoiled, natural surroundings in all their glory.
Local Councillor Martin Earl said: “I am pleased that Stirling Council has agreed to consider this application and consult with the communities that would be covered by any extension to the byelaw.
“If there is support then it would be sensible to make sure it is in place to run alongside the National Park’s new camping management byelaw that will begin in March.
“Most people camp and drink responsibly but, unfortunately, a minority continue to cause problems and they should not be able to get away with that.”