Anger at ‘influx’ to airport

Droves are arriving in cars

Residents living near Perth Airport fear that a“major influx”of people parking their cars in the area is breaking government guidelines on non-essential travel and social distancing.

People have been reportedly parking their cars in their droves at the Sky Lodge, Spitfire Avenue, Nugent Drive and Mclennan Drive, and around the small neighbourhood over the Easter break.

Visitors have been known to park in these streets in order to use the surrounding wooded areas for dog walking, leisurely walks and other exercise.

But residents have cried foul, saying the increase in people doing this is violating government coronavirus advice, with essential travel only permitted to buy food supplies, for health reasons or travelling to and from work but only where you cannot work from home.

One resident who lives by the airport said: “I see them driving in and out [the airport entrance].

“There is parking all over the airport from Sky Lodge to residential areas, and a few out of the way car parks.

“There has been a major influx in people travelling up here to exercise and it feels a bit like the ‘tour de airport’ on some paths jumping out the way.

“On a regular walk at any given time I’d see three people if I was lucky.

“Now it is really busy. I counted 10 cyclists and 12 walkers the other day and I wasn’t even a mile in.

“People getting out of cars with walking sticks, with all the gear on and cameras. I’ve even witnessed a swap over for a driving lesson go on.

“I go walking at 8am now with my dog as I feel it’s just far too busy to go out later in the day.

“Unfortunately I don’t think it will stop as some people just don’t think the rules apply to them.

“I’ve lived here nearly four years now and it’s a lovely place to live with wonderful walks - now people that wouldn’t walk 500 yards to go to the shop before this are out for hours walking miles.

“Follow government guidelines; stay local and try to limit your exercise to an hour not a whole day and a picnic.”

Another local resident said: “I just think people don’t know that there are residents living up at the airport.

“People have been parking up and walking into the woods.

“If the lockdown wasn’t on there is a lot to do at the airport. [There is] a cafe and a business to visit, even flying lessons to enjoy.

“But since the lockdown we are noticing more traffic with people parking and taking their dogs and their children into the woods.”

A spokesperson for Scone and District Community Council says those driving to another location to go for a walk are “flouting” the rules.

They said: “We have fully supported the calls by the governments to stay at home and save lives.

“We encourage this on a daily basis through our social media.

“We also provide a support service for the most vulnerable in Scone.

“We want people to not flout the rules by doing something they wouldn’t normally do, like get in their car and go to a place further away and then go for a walk.

“This is not in the spirit of the published guidance. Dogs should be kept on a lead when out for their exercise.

“There is also a dramatic increase in dog fouling with dog owners either leaving it where it is or picking it up in a bag and then leaving the bag.

“None of it is helpful to the vast majority of people who are abiding by the guidance.

“So let’s comply with the guidance, think of each other and save lives.”