By Philip Murray

A CONTROVERSIAL decision to paint fluorescent strips on a Montrose landmark has been shown the ‘yellow’ card by locals.

The Courier yesterday revealed high visibility yellow paint had been used to outline the edge of the Kirkie Steps.

The Montrose Society described the strips as “hideous.”

Angus Council has insisted the painting is necessary to protect partially sighted residents from trips.

However The Courier has been inundated with comments, many of which lambast the garish new look.

Catherine Luke, who now lives in Switzerland, wrote, “As an ex- Montrosian who has been severely short-sighted since my teenage years at Montrose Academy, I find it utterly ridiculous that the council has seen fit to paint the Kirkie Steps.

“I have never tripped up or down them, and I don’t know anyone else who has, either.”

Local resident Jim Taylor said, “No one has ever fallen on the Kirkie Steps, and I think they should just go back to the drawing board.

“People have to come along with a begging bowl for Christmas lights and such like because there is no money available, but the council can spend money on paint for this,” he added.

However, not all of those who got in touch were as critical.

Alan McInnes, is one of the town’s partially-sighted population, and he argues the edges of the steps are much easier to see since they were painted.

However, he believes white paint or raised black studs on the step edges could have been used instead.

“And then there are other things they could be spending money on other than that, such as a disabled ramp at the train station or stopping people from putting stuff out on footpaths,” he added.

When queried about the reasons behind the new paint job a Royal National Institute for the Blind spokesman spoke of the importance such aids would have in an ever ageing society, but did not wish to comment about the case directly.

“As a population the country is getting older and poor sight is becoming more and more of a problem because sight problems are mainly, but not exclusively, to be found among the elderly,” he said.

“As more and more people lose their sight we will need to adjust,” he added.

Councillor Mark Salmond said, “The first I knew was when I went past them yesterday. I think the reason for it is probably to meet some regulations or other,” he said.

“But it sort of stands out like a sore thumb. It doesn’t really fit in with the area and is not the most complementary of sights.

“On the other hand, the council do have a duty to improve the steps for partly-sighted people—but it’s a case of getting a balance.

“Maybe it could have been done in a more discreet way as it doesn’t do much to complement the conservation area.”