Mystery surrounds the future of an ageing former Perth church which has come under scrutiny from council inspectors, and has been described as a “risk to the public”.
Despite the threat of legal action by Perth and Kinross Council, James Boyd, the owner of St Paul’s Church, has still not put up required scaffolding around the dilapidated listed building and doubts remain as to whether his proposed aim to refurbish the structure will take place.
Council inspectors visited the site earlier this week, with staff taking photographs from a cherry picker.
The Courier contacted both Mr Boyd and one of his business partners, Damien Scullion, yesterday but both were unavailable for comment.
However, Edinburgh-based architect Hugh Crawford, speaking on their behalf, said there were plans to erect wrap-around scaffolding.
“It is regrettable that it’s taken so long, but the previous scaffolding that was taken down wasn’t appropriate,” Mr Crawford said.
Perth councillor Peter Barrett claims it is time for the council “to step in”.
He said: “The new owners haven’t made the building safe. For five weeks they have failed to erect scaffolding around St Paul’s and for all that time there has been a risk to the public from falling masonry and debris.
“It is high time the council ramped up enforcement action.”
“Clearly the building is not safe in the new owners’ hands and in my view they don’t appear capable of delivering any sort of solution for the future.
“The only realistic option is for the council to acquire St Paul’s and establish a trust or other special purpose vehicle which can access funding to redevelop it.
A spokesperson for Perth and Kinross Council said: “Following an inspection of St Pauls Church by structural engineers a detailed report will be prepared and reviewed.
“As a matter of urgency, a works notice will be issued to the building owner, who will have seven days to commence works.
“If the owner fails to take action the council will carry out emergency works to prevent further deterioration of the building and to make it safe.
“The council will seek to recover costs.”