Provost forecasts thriving economy for Perth and Kinross

Initiatives and projects which should encourage growth are highlighted

The economic health of Perth and Kinross will thrive in coming years, Provost Dennis Melloy is predicting.

Addressing the Society of High Constables of the City of Perth – who act as a ceremonial bodyguard on royal and civic occasions – Provost Melloy pointed to various initiatives and projects which should encourage growth.

“This council continue to take a proactive approach in attracting people to the area, increasing local spend and promoting our local businesses to thrive,” he told the society’s annual dinner in the Salutation Hotel, Perth, citing improved car parking provision, the introduction of cashless parking and free parking initiatives.

“Work is ongoing in respect of the development of travel plans in collaboration with ScotRail and Network Rail linked to a master plan for the rail station, public transport interchange and links with development sites.

“Transport consultants have been appointed to model and programme longer term shared space and city centre public transport related projects.

“Progress has been made with major infrastructural improvements.

“The A9/A85 Link Road is expected to be completed by March 2019. The Cross Tay Link Road now has council funding of £78 million committed and a bid for a contribution of £42m to the total project costs has been submitted as part of the Tay Cities Deal.”

He also said that since coming to office the new Conservative administration had made a point of making contact with many local businesses.

“The administration has already invested more money in the things that are important to our communities,” added the provost.

“We have spent more on repairing potholes, looking after our greenspace and providing play equipment for disabled children.

“We are also considering ways that we can devolve more power, accountability and responsibility to help bring local decision making closer to the people that matter and who will be affected by those decisions.”

The dinner was presided over by the society’s moderator Charles Gallagher and among the top table guests were MSP John Swinney, Lord Lieutenant Brigadier Mel Jameson and Perth and Kinross Council’s chief executive Bernadette Malone.

This council continue to take a proactive approach in attracting people to the area, increasing local spend and promoting our local businesses to thrive