New sports hub plans halted

Only the Perth and Kinross Council’s two-member Labour group tabled an amendment seeking not to pause the PH20 project.

Cllr Alasdair Bailey questioned why the SNP proposed taking £150,000 from the earmarked reserves for the PH20 project – alongside dipping into other reserves – to avoid some cuts to PKC’s revenue budget.

The Carse of Gowrie councillor told members: “How are people to believe it [PH20] will ever come back if the SNP is raiding the design and development budget?”

Later tabling Labour’s capital amendment, Cllr Bailey said:“The pools at Perth see far, far, more footfall than bowling and curling combined. Therefore we propose going ahead with the pool and leaving £20m on the table for curling and bowling towards improving their facilities.”

The amendment was out-voted by 38 votes to two.

After the meeting Cllr Laing said:“PH20 has been a long-term ambition for our sports and leisure trust partners, Live Active Leisure, and the council. However, in an extremely challenging financial climate, we have reluctantly agreed to pause this project for now.”

He added:“This is a case of not yet, rather than not at all.”

The approved SNP budget will also see £10m invested in the Perth Eco-Innovation Park.

And the council has set aside £4.4m for repairs to the Garry Viaduct – a three-span road bridge over the Garry River and Highland Railway – close to Killiecrankie.

An additional £2m investment in bridges and structures was also agreed.

And £2m was committed to create a new Gypsy/Traveller site in Perth on the edge of the Food and Drink Park at North Muirton.