Work has stalled on the completion of a £200,000 ramp for disabled people at Perth Sheriff Court.
It’s been revealed that design problems and objections have forced the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service (SCTS) to submit fresh building warrants and the area is now fenced off prior to the installation of a protective barrier.
The delay has provoked some anger among disabled local residents, with George Simpson, 45, of Perth, claiming the ramp should have been built some years ago.
“This is a public building and as such we have a right to enter it, but we couldn’t as there were only stairs before,” he said.
“We had to enter by the back of the building before, which was a bit difficult.
“It’s a disgrace it has taken this long for the court to realise they should have proper access for the disabled.
“And now it is being delayed yet again.”
A spokesperson for the Scottish Disability Quality Forum added: “We don’t know all the details here but it does seem a lot of money to build this ramp and it is taking some time to finish.”
However, a spokesperson for the SCTS defended the scheme and explained why delays have taken place.
“The SCTS has worked closely with local stakeholders to improve disabled accessibility to Perth Sheriff and Justice of the Peace Court by creating access to the front of the building through the same door as other members of the public instead of the previous and more complicated access to the rear,” he said.
“Initial proposals for the ramp were agreed with the council’s building control but later refused by planning and Historic Scotland due to the provision of a handrail to the ramp, which was deemed unacceptable for what is an A-listed building.”
The spokesperson said the slope of the ramp was then reduced to “avoid the need” for a handrail and construction went ahead on this basis.
“During the work it was discovered that a small difference in the pavement level made it necessary to extend the slope to maintain it at 1:21 (the ratio of the slope).
“This resulted in an amendment to warrant and a new planning /listed building application being made.
“Construction of the graded slope was completed in July this year. However, building control then requested that an additional full protective barrier to enclose the side of the slope be installed.
“Work to install that barrier is scheduled to begin this month. Protective fencing has been put up until that work is carried out.”
“The provision of this access is a significant step in the equality agenda and the go-ahead reflects a positive shift from planners and Historic Scotland who initially rejected our plans for front door disabled access.
“It is anticipated that the full final cost of the provision of this access will be in the region of £200,000 including VAT and all fees.
“It forms the first phase in work at the court and, funding permitting, a second phase is planned to bring similar improved access for disabled people inside the court building.”
