We need you! Countryside army is recruited
Perth and Kinross Council is hoping to recruit an army of civilian countryside volunteers to ensure staycationers and campers toe the line this summer.
Letters went out to residents and hospitality operators in antisocial behaviour troublespots like Glenlyon, Loch Rannoch and Loch Tummel where last year parking attendants were fining cars parked illegally blocking access.
Problems had been rife with socalled ‘dirty camping’ and there were complaints of farm animals worried, gateways blocked, trees felled, fires, rubbish and human waste.
Through the environmental and consumer services department, the newly-formed visitor management group sent letters out last week, asking rural residents if they would like to train as a visitor management volunteer.
The letter said: “You will be involved in a multi-agency operation concentrating on promotion of responsible visitor behaviour and reducing negative impact on the life of residents,” read the job description.
The idea is that people with local knowledge and environmental awareness participate in a rota of visitor management duties with official staff and other volunteers.
There will be an educational element but there would also be evidence gathering, monitoring and reporting of regulation breaches.
Volunteers are to be issued with a hi-vis vest and an app for their phone to support information gathering.
Perth and Kinross Council’s letter continued: “The role will be directly managed by Perth and Kinross Council’s safer communities team but will be supported by all agencies involved in the local community planning partnership. Your involvement will also help visitors feel welcome by ensuring their safety and security.
“You will sometimes be paired up with someone from fire service, police, community wardens, greenspace rangers or parking services but if you are happy to, you may be asked to work on your own or with other volunteers.”
“You will be given a comprehensive briefing on your duties and training in the rights and responsibility of visitors, your safety and security, the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and relevant legislation.”
To become involved contact visitormanagementgroup@pkc. gov.uk or call 01738 476173.