Mid-Scotland & Fife Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser has called on Perth & Kinross Council to listen to local businesses in Perth city centre regarding the future direction of its development. Regarding the development of out-of-town supermarket and shopping centre developments, Murdo Fraser said: “It is important that Perth & Kinross Council listens to the local businesses in Perth’s city centre on the future direction of Perth. These are the businessmen and women who are working hard to attract visitors and shoppers to Perth city centre. “The impact of out-of-town supermarkets and shopping centres cannot be underestimated and I hope that the local authority listens to the concerns of businesses in Perth city centre.” On the matter of attracting new businesses to the city centre, including the possibility of a new hotel, Murdo Fraser said: “It will be a welcome boost to the whole of Perth if we see a new hotel in the city centre. “Perth has some excellent independent retailers, top hotels and great restaurants, who are all doing so much to keep Perth’s city centre busy and interesting for visitors and shoppers. Another quality hotel in the city centre will attract more visitors and shoppers to Perth and will be a boost to all of our local businesses. “With Next and New Look replacing the old Woolworths store and the Primark store on the High Street, a new hotel will be welcome addition and create jobs in the city. “It is important that the local authority builds on the hard work by private businesses in the city centre and attracts other businesses to the High Street.”