Shopkeepers calling for change to safeguard the future of Perth city centre have been urged to attend a potentially explosive council meeting.
Opposition councillors who are demanding a new strategy to protect jobs and businesses after the shock collapse of McEwens want a show of support in the public benches when they challenge the SNP administration to come up with a new action plan.
At a meeting of the full council on Wednesday, Conservative councillor for Perth City South Alexander Stewart will table a motion, calling for the chief executive to draw up a report “clearly identifying measures and timescales to address these concerns.”
It follows a business seminar last month which saw disgruntled traders call for, amongst others, a review of parking and pedestrian zones.
Meanwhile, SNP MSP John Swinney and Westminster colleague Pete Wishart MP have called a meeting with local retailers, council leaders, Perthshire Chamber of Commerce and local councillors.
The talks – to address anxiety following the collapse of McEwens – will be held in the city’s Royal George Hotel on May 23 from 5.30pm.
Mr Stewart said his motion “reflects the frustration that the business community feel towards the council and the SNP administration”.
He added: “They have attended many seminars, presentations and meetings and are aware of the council’s long-term plans but what they want is support now to assist with the continuing challenging retail situation that they face in Perth.”
The motion is expected to win support from other parties and will be seconded by Liberal Democrat councillor Lewis Simpson.
He said: “I fully support this motion which reflects the concerns articulated by speaker after speaker (during the seminar) from the business community in Perth.
“Without exception, they stated that the council administration was not listening.”
Mr Simpson added: “Now the debating of this motion provides an opportunity for Perth city businesses to be heard. I would encourage a large turnout in the public gallery.”
Although the meeting will be open to the public, they will not be allowed to get involved with discussions.
Councillor leader Ian Miller has described the motion as a “lost opportunity” and accused Mr Stewart of playing party politics. Mr Swinney said the “partisan and opportunistic” motion was unhelpful.
Around 200 city centre businesses have been invited to attend to attend the next city seminar on May 23.
Mr Wishart, who will co-host the talks, said: “Perth is not immune from the retail challenges that affect all towns and cities in the UK, but the solutions and response to meet these challenges must be innovative and tailored to the specific dynamic here in Perth.”
He added: “It is important that, in acknowledgement and acting upon our concerns, we do not give the impression that Perth is in terminal decline – it is not. This meeting must ensure that together we forge ahead with a positive plan based on our shared vision, collective ambition for our city and which builds upon the work of the Perth City Development Board.”
