Conservative Councillors have welcomed changes to Perth city centre which allow more space for people to eat outside and socially distance.
Councillors Chris Ahern, a ward member for Perth City, Angus Forbes, Convener of Perth and Kinross Council’s Environment and Infrastructure Committee and Business Ambassador, Councillor Roz McCall, met in Perth to look over the changes.
Perth and Kinross made a bid to Sustainable travel charity SUSTRANS for a variety of changes to pathways and roads across the whole authority area. Perth and Kinross were awarded one of the highest amounts based on the quality of the bid with over £1 million coming to the area.
The Perth City Hall area has been developed to allow the cafes and restaurants there make more use of the pavements, which allows the businesses to take in more people while adhering to social distance guidelines.
Commenting, Councillor Ahern said: “This is a fantastic boost to my ward – it’s really great to see so many people making use of the additional space. I have worked closely with local businesses and Council Officers to make this happen in a way that everyone can buy into.“
And Councillor McCall, the Council’s Business Ambassador, added: “From a business perspective this is great for Perth. To see so many people enjoying the eateries - and most importantly - spending money here is fantastic and I am sure it will be a welcome boost to the shops and businesses in the city.”
Councillor Forbes, who Convenes the council’s Environment and Infrastructure Committee, commented: “I am delighted that Perth and Kinross Council put in such a good bid and I welcome the investment and confidence SUSTRANS have shown in us.
“This comes on the back of another SUSTRANS bid which was successful last year and will see a multi-million pound investment in the Dunkeld Road corridor in Perth.”