Vandalism of vital water throwlines along the banks of the River Tay in Perth is putting people’s lives at risk, it has been claimed.
Eight of the safety devices are understood to have been damaged or set on fire in the Perth area recently, leading to an outbreak of criticism from various quarters.
Perth and Kinross Council has had to spend more than £6,000 to replace 209 throwlines and 55 canisters between 2010 and 2015 throughout the region.
New warning signs and throwlines were put up in the wake of the death of a 16-year-old Polish youth who had attempted to cross the River Tay after being at the Rewind Festival, near Perth, in July 2013.
Councillor Archie MacLellan, one of the representatives for the Perth City Centre ward, hit out at the wanton vandalism which he claims is endangering lives.
“We had worked with Scottish Fire and Rescue to install the throwlines along the River Tay so it’s sad that many of these have now been vandalised or destroyed,” he said.
“The vandals that do this are putting lives at risk and I would encourage any members of the public who see this to report it to police.”
Lisa Stuart, of Safe-Tay, who is part of the multi-agency Perth and Kinross Water Safety Partnership, also slammed the vandalism.
“It’s important to highlight this, especially this time of year when it is coming up to summer and many youngsters will be near the water or make their way to Moncreiffe Island,” she said.
“The vandalism is ongoing but people should know the throwlines are there for a reason. It’s a national problem, not just local. I think we need to look at measures such as fining people who do this, and we are trying to educate children about it at school.”
A spokesman for Perth and Kinross Council said the local authority “deplores” the vandalism of this “essential” safety equipment.
He added: “The council would encourage any members of the community that may witness these mindless acts of vandalism to immediately report this to Police
Scotland and the council, as any safety equipment that is either damaged or
stolen is putting lives at risk.”
A spokesperson for Scottish Fire and Rescue said: “Where safety features like throwlines have been put in place at waterways, they are obviously there to protect the public.
“People would be appalled to hear they had been intentionally damaged and anyone involved should know that their reckless, criminal actions could have tragic consequences.”
