A controversial move to turn a bus parking bay in Perth’s George Street into a public space has been abandoned by the council.
The local authority had intended installing a parklet – an extension of the pavement which can be furnished with greenery or a bench – in a pilot scheme from June to August, but has now been forced to shelve the plan.
Perth and Kinross Council hoped the measure might help to draw more shoppers to the area.
However, several George Street businesses opposed the proposal.
Diane Brown, owner of delicatessen Provender Brown, said the parklet plan would do nothing to draw people to George Street and she had “real concerns” about where the initiative was leading.
Mrs Brown said she was relieved to learn the move had been ditched.
Andrew Pennycook, of James McEwan Funeral Directors in George Street, said “common sense” had prevailed, although he questioned the wisdom of installing another parklet in nearby Mill Street.
“The parklet plan was ludicrous,” he said.
“The council wanted to install it in the bus/coach parking bay outside Gillies but surely no one would want to sit outside in George Street. Our office is located near the bus parking bay and it wouldn’t be ideal having people sitting on a bench outside a funeral directors’ business.”
He continued: “At the first meeting, it was suggested to the council officers that they should canvas opinion on the parklet plan with residents but this was dismissed.
“It seems common sense has prevailed. I just hope this isn’t just a stay of execution and the parklet plan for George Street will reappear.”
The council had told George Street businesses that the parklet plan had been devised to try to turn around a fall in visitor numbers in the street.
A council spokesman said it had noted the mixed response to the proposal and would be looking at other measures which might win favour with traders.
“Businesses have indicated both resistance and support for these specific proposals but all have indicated a desire to explore potential investment in the layout of the street and entrances,” the spokesman added.
“Engagement is continuing with businesses and residents in George St to determine preferences and priorities to improve the environment and help attract customers and visitors to support local businesses.”
