DANGER DROP AT PARK CAFE

Damage to rails sparks safety concerns for locals

A dangerous drop has been created in front of MacRosty Park’s Pavilion Cafe after vandals went on a wrecking spree.

Locals have expressed their shock and anger after someone deliberately kicked-in several wooden rails that protect small children from falling off the popular park’s patio area on to the concrete below.

The cafe is due to re-open for the new season on March 29.

Pavilion proprietor Rob Bell has been working hard over the last three years to revive the facility, and had recently decided to renew the concession with Perth and Kinross Council for another seven years.

He said he was disheartened by the destruction so close to the re-opening.

Three different sections of the barrier were damaged during the incident, which has been reported to Police Scotland.

Rob told the Herald: “I’m just hoping the council can fix it by March 29.

“The main thing is it’s a danger to kids. It’s a three foot drop and you know what young kids are like when they are running around.

“The fence panels are all smashed up. I would have anticipated that maybe there would be beer bottles and such lying about but there was nothing like that. It was just the panels that were targeted.

“We have not had much damage really in comparison to other areas and the kids that have been hanging about have not been causing that much trouble recently or leaving rubbish.

“We had a guy on the roof last year throwing off slates and a bit of graffiti.

“If the council can’t fix it by the end of March, I’ll just do it myself. I’ll probably have to foot the bill out of my own pocket.”

Offers of help from locals have buoyed Rob, however.

He added: “The response from the community has been brilliant –it’s quite heartwarming.

“Everyone is gutted and showing sympathy. Michele Bilsland has offered us CCTV and Garry Brock has offered to install it for free so that is brilliant. Everyone seems genuinely upset about this.”

Angela Baker, chair of Kids Week in Crieff (KWIC) – which makes use of the park and pavilion for a lot of KWIC activities – commented: “We’re heartbroken for our friends at the Pavilion Cafe.

“This has happened just when they receive amazing news of a renewed contract for seven years.

“This vandalism is unfathomable when it seems the community is so extremely supportive of ‘Pav Caf’ and what it does for the park, our locals and bringing footfall to the town.”

A police spokesperson said: “Police were informed on March 9 about damage to a fence at the seating area of the Pavilion Cafe. The damage is believed to have occurred some time on March 7 or March 8.

“Police will follow up this report in due course.”