Politicians have called for security to be strengthened at T in the Park ahead of next year’s event.
It follows the deaths of two teenagers and a reported rise in crime.
The number of offences rose from 414 in 2015 to 429 this year, although police chiefs stressed that an increase in drug seizures was down to a pro-active anti-substances campaign.
Serious and minor assaults had also decreased from 2015, which was the festival’s most violent year on record.
Liz Smith MSP, who last year called for a major review of the new Strathallan site, said: “I think many people – including myself – gave DF Concerts the benefit of the doubt that they could resolve the issues which troubled T in the Park in 2015.
“Notwithstanding the hard work the organisers put in to improving aspects like traffic management and access to Strathallan, the issue of public safety remains a very serious concern.”
She said: “This year’s deaths, in particular, raise questions about whether everything possible really is being done to safeguard the safety of those who attend the event.”
However, the show’s Gold Commander Chief Superintendent Angela McLaren painted a generally positive picture of the event.
“We will as always debrief after this year’s event and look at feedback that will inform any more positive additions or changes in 2017,” she added.
T bosses will still need to secure a public entertainment licence from Perth and Kinross Council before the event can take place next summer.
*See Wednesday’s Courier, also available as a digital edition, for the full story.
