Roads close for repairs to crumbling church

£2 million work on dilapidated St Paul’s begins

As a privately owned building the council’s hands had previously been tied on what action could be taken and when

Roads surrounding a dilapidated former Perth church have been closed off to traffic to allow for emergency repair work.

Perth and Kinross Council have appointed contractors to carry out the work after taking over the running of St Paul’s.

Council chiefs are keen to embark on a £2 million refurbishment project that would see the area around the building being used for social events, arts performances and markets. This would entail keeping the spire and shell of the B-listed building.

Construction workers have been using a cherry picker to reach the roof of St Paul’s to remove loose slates and they have also been cutting back vegetation from outside the structure of the site.

The council have deemed there may be a likelihood of danger to the public during the emergency works and have taken the decision to close off neighbouring roads.

As a result traffic is prohibited on the High Street, from its junction with New Row to its junction with South Methven Street. In addition, St Paul’s Square is also closed to traffic, from its junction with South Methven Street to its junction with the High Street.

Pedestrian access in this area will also be limited but access will be maintained for emergency vehicles.

The alternative route for vehicles is to use New Row, County Place and then South Methven Street or to travel directly on to South Methven Street.

Perth and Kinross Council stepped in to take over the building after it had been allowed to fall into disrepair. Arengate Ltd, the previous owners, were issued with a notice last year ordering them to carry out urgent repair work after local authority inspectors found asbestos, dry rot, a partially collapsed ceiling and an infestation of pigeons at St Paul’s.

Councillor Ian Miller, leader of Perth and Kinross Council, is positive that real progress can now be made at the building, which closed its doors in 1986.

“As a privately owned building the council’s hands had previously been tied on what action could be taken and when,” he said.

Picture: Fraser Band. Refurbishment work begins on St Paul’s Church.