A COUNCILLOR has reacted with anger to comments by a depute fiscal who said he wished vacant council houses in a Perth housing estate were “blown up” in an attempt to prevent crime.

Depute fiscal Stuart Richardson made his remarks at a recent criminal case at Perth Sheriff Court, in which Nigel Mackay (18) was fined £200 after admitting that on August 2, at Ainslie Gardens, Perth, he stole copper piping.

Mr Richardson said, “I just wish Perth and Kinross Council would blow up these flats and put an end to it (stealing.)”

Many of the properties in Ainslie Gardens are vacant as work progresses on the £10 million regeneration programme.

Around 550 houses are to be demolished to make way for a new development that promises to transform the estate.

However, Mr Richardson’s comment were criticised by Peter Barrett, a Perth councillor whose constituency includes the Muirton area.

He said, “Sadly the depute fiscal’s comment displays a disappointing lack of awareness of the issues involved.”

He continued, “The council is determined to demolish blocks as soon as is practicable, and also to remove items the thieves are after as the blocks are secured.”

Mr Barrett said he did not want to become involved in a debate with the depute fiscal, but highlighted the efforts required to cut down on such incidents.

“It is far more important that the council, the courts, the police and—most importantly—the local community work together and support each another to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour,” he said.

“We will have to do this now that the convicted thief has been released back into the community after being fined £200 for his crime.”

Fellow councillor Archie MacLellan added, “I regret the fact that the courts are not handing out longer sentences for this type of crime, which would do a great deal more than the comments—however jocular—from the depute fiscal.”

A spokesman for Perth and Kinross Council said, “The council has demolished some of the old tenements in Ainslie Gardens.

“Some of the properties are still occupied, but they are scheduled for demolition once the residents have been re-housed.

“This is part of the overall planned regeneration of the Muirton area, which the council is undertaking in partnership with Communities Scotland and Perthshire Housing Association.”

Thefts of copper piping have increased in Tayside recently, with up to £4000 being given for a tonne of the metal.

A police spokesperson said, “Our message to people involved in stealing these items, or knowingly involved in disposal of such items, is that you will be prosecuted when you are caught.”

The new development, which is scheduled to be completed in 2011, will be called Muirton Park.