North Inch is for everyone, council tells park users

A running group has warned its members to avoid “park wars” after Perth and Kinross Council received complaints about them using the North Inch.

Perth Parkrun meets at the popular beauty spot on Sunday mornings when runners spend around 45 minutes exercising.

However organisers issued a plea to members after the local authority became involved.

It is believed that two grievances were lodged with the council, though their exact nature has not been revealed.

Posting on the group’s social media page, organisers said: “There have been a couple of official complaints about Parkrun to local councils.

“Both officials brought it to our attention but had told the complainers that the park area is there for everybody. But we don’t want any park wars.

“Keep it friendly. Watch out for other park users. Keep the path clear before the start and when you finish (stand on the grass). Run on the left when you can. Switch to the other side to pass a dog and its walker. Keep smiling.”

Members defended their once-aweek activity with one saying: “It’s a shame that this is happening. The problem is people become very territorial and don’t like change, especially when it comes to routes they go for a walk either by themselves or with their dogs.

“It’s curious why these complaints are coming in now given that Parkrun has been going for over two years.”

A spokeswoman for Perth and Kinross Council said: “We have received a very small number of complaints regarding the use of the North Inch by Parkrun.

“Officers from the council raised the complaint with the organisers of the group, who are now looking at ways they can address the issue.

“The council welcomes the use of its green spaces for events and activities, including the Parkrun, although we recognise that on occasion this impacts on other users of the space.”