Complaint fails to give the full picture
I write in response to a letter from Callum MacLeod in the Blairie dated July 20, which featured a complaint about the condition of many common areas in Blairgowrie.
He is quite right about the deterioration that has occurred and I am sure this is replicated across many areas within Perth and Kinross.
However, at no point does he acknowledge the Covid pandemic nor appreciate the profound effect this has had on of the council – both financially and in its working practices.
In the absence of that it is incorrect to pass blame to the three local councillors, or any other elected members, and very unfair to blame council officers.
Throughout this pandemic, the priority of Perth and Kinross Council has been the health and wellbeing of its citizens and to maintain essential services.
As a result many were redeployed to other tasks, such as checking on those who were isolating or delivering food and medicines.
In doing this, other work had to be set aside.
As we now try to ease ourselves back to some form of normality, the council is now faced with a backlog of work across the spectrum – road repairs, housing repairs and, yes, open areas.
Undoubtedly this will take time but it is important for our residents to know that this backlog will be dealt with.
I know that there are discussions under way for improvements for the pond and the Loon Braes.
And I was at Ferguson Park last week with officers and a member of the community council to review work needed on the open space.
I am sure my fellow councillors would join me in asking for our residents to remain patient as Perth and Kinross strives to get back to normal working.
Cllr Bob Brawn