Concerns raised about former hotel
Police were called last Wednesday after youths were seen attempting to gain access to the former Strathearn Hotel in Crieff’s King Street.
The teenagers climbed on to a flat roof at the back of Campbell’s Bakery to reach a first floor window at the boarded up building, giving rise to fears for their safety from local residents, who say that the interior is in a dangerous condition.
Ailsa Campbell told the Herald:“Myself and members of our staff watched in horror as four children climbed onto our bakery roof and into one of the windows in the derelict building.This is a serious situation. These kids could be seriously harmed.”
Police officers attended but did not trace the youngsters.
Mrs Campbell has written to Perth and Kinross Council to find out what is being done about the run-down building, which has lain empty for a number of years.
Concerned Strathearn ward Councillor Stewart Donaldson commented:“Unless preventative measures are taken it will happen again. Kids are kids, but we most certainly do not want them suffering injury or, given the materials inside the building, risking their health.
“Amongst those I contacted was Roddy Ross of the Safer Communities Team, and he has direct links with the police. I note there may be photographic and video evidence, and I’m sure that he will want to see that.
“The matter of protecting children is serious enough, but I have also asked of council officers if further steps can be taken on the Building Standards front. The building is in a state of total disrepair, and a threat to public safety. There remain clear risks, both in terms of parts of the building falling off, and as regards fire.”
A spokesperson for PKC said:“A Defective Building Notice remains in place for the former Strathearn Hotel in Crieff, requiring the building to be brought into a state of repair. A building warrant application has also been submitted by the owner for the partial demolition of the building.
“As a privately owned building, the maintenance and responsibility for the safety of those in and around the building is a matter solely for the owner, including securing the building against unlawful entry. The council will, however, continue to respond to any issues with the building that constitute a danger in terms of our legislation.”
The Herald understands that an agent for the building’s owners attended after being alerted to the incident and reported no access had been gained.