Shopkeepers in Perth and Kinross have been told to get “off their backsides” and make their own efforts to clear snow from their doorways.
Councillor Dennis Melloy branded businesses “lazy” as he and colleagues discussed measures to free the area’s streets from the grip of winter.
He claimed that retailers only have themselves to blame if customers are unable to visit their shops because their entrance has been hampered by snow and ice.
Mr Melloy said, “They expect the council to do it, when if they got off their backsides and got their shopfronts clear, then they might get people through the door.
“We used to clear our own paths and shopfronts, but these days none of the businesses even seem to own a shovel.”
He added, “I think it is appalling that they don’t help out more and really it’s just down to laziness.”
The Strathmore councillor’s outburst came during a meeting of the community safety committee, just minutes after he had praised the snow-clearing work by convicts.
Committee vice-convener Elspeth Maclachan also applauded their efforts, saying that they were “valuable” to the community.Offenders’ work ‘invaluable’Councillor Peter Barrett put forward an alternative solution and, in a jibe at the media, claimed the talents of journalists would be better put to shovelling snow.
In a paper presented to members, it was revealed that 39 community service offenders had spent a total of 877 hours clearing paths and nursing homes between November 27 and December 17.
They worked exclusively on clearing the streets during that period and councillors said they had made a major contribution to the health and welfare of the people of Perth and Kinross.
Councillor Maclachan said, “They started on a pilot project in my ward (Perth City North) and they made themselves so invaluable that they were moved to other areas.
“I also want to take this opportunity to praise the community wardens.”
Their work in Invergowrie was also held up by Councillor Peter Mulheron, who said that at least one of the convicts went the extra mile to help out, by collecting a prescription for an elderly resident.
He also asked if it would be possible for prisoners from Castle Huntly to be included in this project in the future, should the severe weather conditions be repeated.
The councillor was told that it would be subject to discussions with the Scottish Government.