Court ramp delayed by pigeon droppings
First design issues, now nesting birds hit access work
A £200,000 access ramp at Perth Sheriff Court is still awaiting completion- nine months after work started on it.
In October, the Perthshire Advertiser exclusively revealed that design issues had delayed the opening of the structure.
But now it has emerged that another hiccup - pigeon faeces has delayed building works from finishing, as well as problems sourcing suitable building materials.
Building teams were supposed to be on site for works on a barrier in the autumn but they have been held up by the nesting birds problem which means the ramp could be slippy if used.
Yesterday, court bosses confirmed they were looking at resolving the matter next month, starting with building netting to fend off the flying pests.
A Scottish Court Service spokesperson said: “In relation to an issue with pigeons roosting on the court building, we are currently looking to net the underside of the portico as this is a solution we have adopted in similar situations.
“Building Control requested that an additional full protective barrier to enclose the side of the slope be installed. There have subsequently been issues with the fixing of the handrail and sourcing of the additional stone.
Works will hopefully be complete by the end of January, but this date will be weather dependant at this time of year. The ramp remains closed while remedial works are underway.
“SCTS would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused.”
The ramp bid has been hit by several issues including being blocked by buildings watchdogs when they were first mooted in October 2013. An agreed design saw works start in March but these were then altered as works progressed.
In October a Scottish Courts Service spokesperson told this paper: “The SCTS has worked closely with local stakeholders to improve disabled accessibility to Perth Sheriff and Justice of the Peace Court by creating access to the front of the building through the same door as other members of the public instead of the previous and more complicated access to the rear.
“Initial proposals for the ramp, to provide that improved access at the court, were agreed with Building Control but later refused by Planning and Historic Scotland due to the provision of a handrail to the ramp which was deemed unacceptable for what is an A-listed building.
“After discussions, the slope of the ramp was reduced to 1:21 to avoid the need for a handrail and construction went ahead on this basis. During the work it was discovered that a small difference in the pavement level made it necessary to extend the slope to maintain it at 1:21. This resulted in an amendment to warrant and a new planning / listed building applications being made.
The spokesperson added: “The provision of this access is a significant step in the equality agenda and the go-ahead reflects a positive shift from planners and Historic Scotland who initially rejected our plans for front door disabled access. It is anticipated that the full final cost of the
The sheriff court ramp has faced various difficulties in its construction provision of this access will be in the region of £200,000 including VAT and all fees. It forms the first phase in work at the court and, funding permitting, a second phase is planned to bring similar improved access for disabled people inside the court building.”
Works will hopefully be complete by the end of January but this date will be weather dependant