Council chief counters criticism

Perth and Kinross Council is “open to ideas” on how to make Perth city centre more attractive, but would resist ripping up pedestrianised areas, says Jim Valentine, the council’s deputy chief executive.

“As a dynamic small city, Perth continues to perform well in terms of its independent shopping experience which is enjoyed by locals and visitors alike,” he said.

“While the city centre shopping experience is evolving, this is occurring across the world as consumers adapt to a wider virtual market and retailers attempt to keep up.

“It is for businesses to position themselves and work with agencies to maximise their opportunities in this shifting landscape.

“City centre streets are now as much social spaces as they are transport routes and the current city centre arrangements in Perth have allowed the development of its café culture and attractive events programme.

“While we appreciate that there will always be those who hark back to a golden age of High street shopping, history shows that every major settlement has adapted and changed over the years.

“While the council is open to any ideas for making the city centre more attractive any scheme which brings traffic back in to the narrow city centre streets would come with significant disbenefits in terms of reduced air quality within a recognised Air Quality Management Area, as well as an increase in road safety risks as vehicles and pedestrians are placed in close proximity.”

He continued: “We are also endeavouring to work with developers and private property owners to bring derelict buildings such as St Paul’s back into use although ultimately decisions on use of these buildings lie with their owners.

Jim Valentine.