By Eric Nicolson

TWO PERTH councillors have expressed their “anger and concern” about the condition of the children’s play area in the North Muirton area of the town.

Councillors Archie MacLellan (Labour) and Heather Stewart (Conservative) visited the site yesterday and Mr MacLellan said afterwards, “Whilst the current administration cannot be held responsible for the moronic vandalism that has taken place, I cannot believe the complacency they are showing towards the problem.

“Prior to the last election, I was given assurances that the upgrading of this facility was being given priority and that urgent remedial work would be undertaken for the summer. It would now appear that the administration has directed the allocated funds elsewhere without even the courtesy of a discussion with the local members, and given that this is the only play area in North Muirton estate, that is an unacceptable state of affairs.

“Over the lifetime of the previous council, both I and my former colleague Gordon Hunter put a great deal of time and energy into developing facilities and opportunities for young people in the Muirton and North Muirton area and I am incensed that this effort should be undermined in any way.

“It is all very well to proclaim that efforts will be made to deal with anti-social behaviour and vandalism but failure to provide even the basic facilities for the young raises question marks over the commitment towards these goals.”

Ms Stewart added, “This kind of meaningless vandalism is a blot on the community and I condemn it, but the fact that the council administration is prepared to break its promises to the community I find appalling.

“It amounts to a betrayal of the residents of North Muirton and the young people who would have enjoyed the facilities over the summer holidays.

“I understand that there is a need to prioritise funding but I believe this is an exception as ignoring it would undo all the good work which has already been done by previous councillors.”