The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Concern Blairgowrie jobs boost will cause parking troubles
Population boom sparks worries for town’s infrastructure
Pressure is being put on Perth and Kinross Council to address challenges caused by a surge in population and jobs in Blairgowrie.
Rattray- based Castle Water is preparing to open a new service centre in Perthshire’s biggest town, bringing 60 new jobs to the area.
While widely welcomed as a boost to Blairgowrie’s economy, concerns are being raised that the town’s infrastructure cannot cope with the influx.
This comes as the water company took on 50,000 new customers in a transfer deal to be finalised in July and hundreds of new homes at West Park were granted planning permission in March, despite scores of objections.
Blairgowrie’s population has been quickly expanding in recent years.
In 2016 its growth rate was more than three times that of the rest of Scotland and was even compared to Mexico.
Perthshire North MSP John Swinney has written to the council to ask that the town’s lack of parking be resolved before the Castle Water centre opens.
He said: “Castle Water is a very fast growing and successful company that has brought significant employment and economic impact to Blairgowrie.
“With that growth come some practical challenges and I have raised the concerns of my constituents regarding parking with Perth and Kinross Council.
“It is important that good dialogue takes place between Castle Water, the council and local residents to work to resolve these issues.”
A spokeswoman from Perth and Kinross Council said: “We are aware that Castle Water are expanding and think it’s fantastic news for Blairgowrie and welcome the significant job opportunities the expansion will bring.
“Castle Water is already a proactive employer with an existing green travel plan, which we understand that they will be continuing to implement and develop as they recruit new employees.”
It is important that good dialogue takes place between Castle Water, the council and local residents to work to resolve these issues. JOHN SWINNEY MSP