A decision by council chiefs not to attend a “business summit” on the challenges facing Perth city centre has angered a leading retailer.
Jimmy Barclay, 71, who is celebrating 48 years in the carpets and furnishing business, said that council chief executive Bernadette Malone and her depute Jim Valentine should be at the event to hear what the business community believe is needed to regenerate the heart of the city.
“It disappoints me greatly that they have turned down an invitation,” said Mr Barclay.
“It is unbelievable that they won’t take part — the ratepayers of the city centre are paying their salaries.”
The business summit in the Royal George Hotel at 6pm on Thursday April 28 was called by Scottish Parliamentary candidates Murdo Fraser and Liz Smith and their fellow Conservatives on Perth and Kinross Council to help map out a coherent plan for the future of the city centre as a place to do business.
The hope is to safeguard Perth’s future as a shopping destination following the recent shop closure of McEwens department store.
They have drawn up a plan which calls for action on business rates, parking improvements, a rapid end to the city hall and St Paul’s Kirk “sagas” and plans for a city centre attraction to be quickly progressed.
“We have had a hugely positive response to our business summit from the Perthshire business community and I look forward to speaking with them as it represents a huge opportunity to discuss the future of Perth city centre,” said Mr Fraser.
Liz Smith who described the closure of McEwens as “a dark day for Perth retailers” said Stirling and Dundee had stolen a march on Perth.
“A lack of vision and investment from the council has seen retailers vacate the city centre at pace and we need a plan to help bring back both the shoppers and businesses,” she said.
“Competitive business rates and better parking should be the starting point but I look forward to hearing the views and ideas of retailers at the coal face as these are the people we should listen “
In a statement a council spokesperson explained why the council chiefs had turned down an invitation to the summit.
“Our understanding is that this event has been organised by Scottish Parliamentary election candidates, and therefore it was not felt appropriate for the council’s chief executive, as returning officer, to attend,” they said.
“The council’s depute chief executive (sustainability, strategic and entrepreneurial development) has already met with over 60 local businesses at a recent Perth Connect meeting. The organisers have been asked to provide feedback on any relevant points arising from the event.”
