Crumbling steps and wall pose a danger
Councillors have expressed grave concern about a “dangerously unsafe” wall on a shared access to Perth homes.
Access to the Perth terrace from the nearest road is either from a steep set of steps which are said to be “crumbling” and “a little bit and uneven,” and along a footpath next to a “listing” wall.
Pullar Terrace residents met with council officials twice in August 2017 but work is still ongoing to find an appropriate solution.
Since August 2017 some trees have been removed and a drain fixed but there are growing safety concerns about the wall.
SNP Perth City North councillors Ian Massie and John Rebbeck recently visited the site after being contacted by “several concerned constituents” who had just received a letter from PKC.
The councillors told the PA that, while the embankment looked neglected, safety was the main concern.
Cllr Massie said: “The overall appearance of the embankment was one of neglect but of most concern to us was the angle that the retaining wall now sat at.
“It looks dangerously unsafe. God forbid it collapses as a child walks by on the path. Urgent action is required here.”
Cllr Rebbeck explained: “The weight of the earth and shrubbery on the wall is beginning to take its toll and it’s listing a little bit.
“And the steps are crumbling a little bit and uneven.”
He added: “There were two public meetings held in August 2017 at which residents were promised extensive work done on the embankment, and they are understandably frustrated that three and a half years later options are still being considered.”
In 2018, the PA reported issues regarding emergency services, bin lorries and funeral undertakers accessing the properties.
This week a Pullar Terrace resident told us: “I am frustrated and also disappointed that this long standing issue has not as yet been resolved.
“I can only hope moving forward that an amicable - to all parties - solution to the issue can be found and implemented at the earliest opportunity.”
A spokesperson for Perth and Kinross Council said they are working to find a solution but insisted there were no “immediate concerns” raised about the stability of the wall following an inspection in December.
They also said the fire service had not experienced any issues.
They added: “Regarding bin uplifts, if any resident has difficulty bringing their bins to the designated collection point, we would encourage them to contact our waste and recycling team as they may be eligible for help through our assisted lifts scheme.
“The initial option for replacement of the wall and steps was to construct a new stair from Pullar Terrace to the road above, replacement of the existing brick retaining wall, landscaping works and enhanced drainage work.
“To date, we have carried out works in Pullar Terrace to repair a cracked drain, and to remove trees and roots that were impacting on drainage.”
The spokesperson revealed the overall costs and complexity of the project had “both increased significantly”, party due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
They said: “With the costs now well in excess of the budget available, and combined with the need to recognise the requirements of both council tenants and private owner-occupiers in Pullar Terrace, we are now considering alternative approaches.
“We will continue to keep tenants and residents informed and will update them as soon as we have further information to share.”