Drive-thrus are not Perth Council policy

Dear Editor

Why is Perth and Kinross Council allowing a massive expansion in drive-thru businesses at Broxden, contrary to PKC’S own policies?

PKC has committed to reducing car idling yet is granting planning permission to five new drive-thru businesses, which will encourage idling.

PKC’S own website states that idling has an adverse affect on the environment and public health.

Perth and Kinross Council’s Climate Action Plan sets out the need to reduce vehicle emissions and distances.

Drive -thru John Swinneryrestaurants encourage driving and promote increased emissions. PKC is committed to developing a strategy for traffic which priorities the pedestrian, citing environmental and health benefits, yet has granted permission for businesses which promote the convenience of car drivers over the needs of pedestrians.

Perth and Kinross Council claims to be committed to the regeneration of Perth

City Centre, yet it has granted permission for drive through sprawl on the outskirts, diminishing the city centre, undermining the new multimillion pound Perth Museum.

Is it too much to ask that councillors vote for developments which are in line with PKC’S own policies? Paul Vallot

Via email

Deafresearch

Major new research from charity RNID has revealed the negative attitudes and behaviours that deaf people and people with hearing loss experience on a regular basis.

The research of 8,151 people found that more than a quarter of deaf people and people with hearing loss are ignored by most people in public settings.

More than two thirds told us they have experienced negative attitudes or behaviours in the last year, and almost half (48 per cent) said they also experience this from their own family members.

A total of 54 per cent said people tell them ‘It doesn’t matter’ when they struggle to understand, which we know can make people feel like they don’t matter. 47 per cent have experienced people shouting at them. The impact of this can be huge: people tell us they feel excluded, lonely, and disrespected.

Often these experiences cause people to withdraw, to avoid others, and even hide that they are deaf or have hearing loss.

We want people across the UK to stand with us and say that the way deaf people and people with hearing loss are treated really does matter.

We know the public want to help, so we’re urging people to follow our three simple tips to be more inclusive, and learn some simple BSL phrases for everyday conversation.

To get involved, visit rnid. org.uk

Crystal Rolfe,

Director of Strategy at RNID