PARKING METERS BLAMED IN POLL Hundreds respond to Crieff survey

Crieff’s perennial parking problem has once again been thrust into the spotlight following a flood of responses to a recently-launched survey.

On Thursday last week, those behind the town’s Crieff Succeeds Business Improvement District ( BID) project launched a poll in an attempt to determine if changes to parking introduced by the council last December were having an adverse impact on the town.

By Monday this week, a total of 255 people had responded to the BID team’s appeal for opinions.

It is understood two thirds of those who submitted their feedback said they’re shopping in Crieff less often since the meters were installed.

More than one third said they now regularly go elsewhere for the same products or services they would have previously purchased in the Strath capital.

Findings of the ongoing survey were passed to an officer from Perth and Kinross Council by the BID team on

Friday, as well as the Strathearn ward’s three elected councillors.

The same local authority officer also went on a ‘walkabout’ with members of the BID board on Monday this week in an attempt to speak to local business owners and canvass opinion with regard to potential solutions to the issues raised.

BID manager John Bray – who was at pains to point out the meetings with the aforementioned council officer had been positive – said: “The data we have so far highlights the need for a reassessment of Crieff ’s parking situation.

“It’s clear that the meters are having an effect on the way people shop and, as a business improvement district, we can’t stand by and watch local businesses suffer like this.”

Andrew Cuthbert, of the town’s JL Gill whisky shop and a BID director, added: “I was aware that my own business was suffering, but talking to other businesses has highlighted the problem in Crieff even more.

“We need to be pro-active in getting PKC to see the effect the meters are having on businesses.”

The BID survey will see data gathered every month. People can also fill in the survey more than once to allow for seasonal changes, if they wish.

The surveys are anonymous and wi l l eventually be handed over to Perth and Kinross Council to help develop a means of helping to further improve the town’s parking situation.

The link to the general survey can be found on the main page of the Crieff Succeeds BID website (www. crieffsucceeds. com) and can also be accessed from the Crieff Business Page on Facebook and on Twitter (@ crieffbusiness)

The most recent BID survey follows on from businesses already filling in their own survey, with many claiming the metering measures have had a negative impact on trade.

Responses also indicated that trade is down, apparently as a result of the new system.

Speaking previously, a spokesperson for Perth and Kinross Council said the new parking arrangements in Crieff were introduced following a survey where 65% of respondents stated that they would prefer a change so the King Street and Leadenflower car parks would be free, with parking paid for in the High Street and James Square.

It is thought a review could be undertaken in July, which may look at things such as the possibility of improved signage – among other issues.