News

Council changes its mind about deleting core path

28/7/2017

Photo of entrance to berry fields path from Blairgowrie Road

We recently reported that Perth and Kinross Council was planning to delete the berry fields path from its Core Path Network (click here).

It announced on Thursday 27th July 2017 that it has changed its mind. The Council produced the following statement (in a Freedom of Information Request): "There have been concerns raised regarding the proposed deletion of COUP/104 so this will not be deleted from the Core Paths Plan."

Break Ins - Coupar Angus and Carse of Gowrie

26/7/2017

Alert message sent 26/07/2017 11:46:00, Information sent on behalf of Police Scotland
https://www.neighbourhoodalert.co.uk/da/186516

During the past weeks Police Scotland have been called to a number of farms and outhouses in the Coupar Angus and Carse of Gowrie areas which have been the subject of break ins.
Thieves have cut chains and forced open padlocks in order to gain entry to outhouses and containers. Items stolen from these break ins have included power tools, quantities of diesel, a quad bike and a trailer.

It is requested that if you own or occupy farm premises that you remain vigilant and ensure that your property is adequately secured. Regular checks should be made of outbuildings and containers.
If you do see anything suspicious then please note details of any vehicles that you see, or to provide any descriptions of people who look out of place please contact 101 (or 999 in an emergency).

Perth Playday, Wed 2 Aug 2017

21/7/2017

Playday is the annual celebration of children's right to play - a National campaign which involves children and young people getting out and playing at locally organised events.

The Perth & Kinross Playday event will be held on the South Inch in Perth on Wednesday 2 August between 10.00am and 3:00pm

There will be a range of activities including bouncy castles, face painting, arts & crafts, baby soft play area and much, much more.

There is no need to book, just come along and join in the fun. Parents and carers will remain responsible for their children at all times whilst joining in with the free activities.

For more information go to the Perth and Kinross Council website.

Banner advertisement for Perth Playday 2017, with picture of little girl

Coupar Angus treasure Trail

21/7/2017

Follow the trail, solve the clues and see the sights. Treasure Trails are self-guided themed treasure hunts, an easy way to discover more about where you live or somewhere new. There are trails for a number of areas in Perth & Kinross including Aberfeldy, Blair Atholl, Blairgowrie, Coupar Angus, Crieff, Dunkeld, Kinross, Perth and Pitlochry. Each treasure trail costs £6.99. For more information go to https://www.treasuretrails.co.uk/things-to-do/perthshire

Further details of proposal to remove 'core path' status from berry fields walk

18/7/2017

Core path indicated as purple dashes, Right of Way RoW 21/17 indicated as light blue solid line.

Perth and Kinross Council has provided further information/explanation of its plan to delete core path coup/104:

The reasons why we [Perth & Kinross Council] propose COUP/104 for deletion are:

- there have been known instances of people entering the poly tunnels and picking fruit without the landowners’ permission.

- there is an issue with uncontrolled dogs being amongst the poly tunnels.

- there are alternative core paths on the same landholding which do not lead people directly past the poly tunnels so are more appropriate for promotion as core paths (please see map on the attached form, these include the riverside route COUP/102 with connections back toward the Town being COUP/101, 17 & 50).

- In addition and not shown on the core paths plan there is a right of way (21/17) near to COUP/104 (please see snip below, ROW 21/17 is indicated in blue).

A valid objection is an e-mail or letter making clear the grounds on which you object to which proposed deletion (using path code) with your name and address given. This information is given on the webpage as follows – ‘If you have any comment or objection on any of these amendments please e-mail [email protected] by 30 September 2017. Please identify the core path (eg ABNY/112) to which your comment refers and specify the grounds for any objection. You must also provide your name and contact details.’

Core paths are intended to indicate the best routes which the public can take when crossing land which also work for the landowner. Responsible access rights apply to core paths and most other land. Although this route (COUP/104) would still be within access rights we do not feel it is the best route to promote for public access.

It is unlikely that we will sign COUP/104 even if it remains a core path, we have already signed the alternative routes in the area and did not get agreement from the landowner to signpost this particular route. If it is deleted as a core path we will remove this from the online mapping of core paths so anyone looking for core paths around Coupar Angus will not see it as a promoted route.

Update, Thu 27 Jul 2017

Perth and Kinross Council now says it won't delete the berry fields path from their Core Paths Network. They have produced the following statement (in a Freedom of Information Request): "There have been concerns raised regarding the proposed deletion of COUP/104 so this will not be deleted from the Core Paths Plan."

VIDEO: Driver carries out ‘reckless’ manoeuvre on road which claimed toddler’s life

17/7/2017

by Kirsty McIntosh, July 17 2017, The Courier
https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/local/perth-kinross/470249/driver-carries-out-reckless-manoeuvre-on-road-which-claimed-toddlers-life/

Dash cam footage of a car carrying out a “reckless” overtaking manoeuvre on a road where a two year old girl was killed has emerged online.

The 30-second clip shows a dark silver Mercedes push past two cars which have already moved out to overtake a stationary horsebox.

The vehicle towing the horsebox had partially pulled into a junction to allow the following cars to pass.

It was captured on Forfar Road, Coupar Angus, where Harlow Edwards was killed on October 13 last year as she walked home from a nearby park. Luke Pirie, 23, has since been charged with dangerous driving in relation to her death.

The man who captured the footage, who does not want to be identified, said the video proved the need for urgent road upgrades.

He said: “Myself and another motorist were over taken in the 30 zone on Forfar Road, Coupar Angus, before the play park.

“I don’t ever do anything with the bad driving or near misses I capture on dash cam normally but I feel this is clear evidence that traffic calming measures on this stretch of road should be a priority, especially in light of tragic events.”

Local road safety campaigner Michael Gallagher added that he was making enquiries as to whether the council had managed to buy land to build a pavement along the road.

He said: “The clip is particularly shocking because it shows reckless driving at almost exactly the same place where Harlow Edwards was killed last year.

“We desperately need Perth and Kinross Council to get on with its plans to install traffic lights at the junctions with Princeland Road and Larghan View. These will enable people to cross Forfar Road safely.

“Apparently, though, this work will not begin until the end of August. This delay is baffling and worrying.

“Another serious problem is the narrow section of pavement on Forfar Road, where last year’s accident took place.

“I have asked the council repeatedly how they are getting on with negotiating with adjacent land owners to acquire the necessary strip of ground, but they are stone-walling me.

“In the end I have had to resort to a Freedom of Information request, but I suspect it will be weeks before they reply.”

NEW COUNCILLOR HIGHLIGHTS CONCERNS OVER THREAT TO POPULAR WALK

17/7/2017

Councillor Fiona Sarwar

Local concerns about the potential loss of Core Path status for a popular walking route in Coupar Angus have prompted new SNP councillor Fiona Sarwar to highlight a new public consultation on the matter.

The proposals were subject to an initial consultation earlier this year, which involved community councils. Coupar Angus & Bendochy Community Council sent a letter of objection at that time. Subsequently on 14th June the proposals were given interim approval by the Environment, Enterprise & Infrastructure Committee of Perth & Kinross council.

However, the decision will not be final until the results are known from a new public consultation, which will last until 30th September - http://www.pkc.gov.uk/cppamendments. The consultation document states: "any proposed amendment which is subject to a valid and sustained objection will not be adopted". However there is no explanation of what counts as a valid and sustained objection.

Blairgowrie Road entrance to popular berry fields path

Councillor Sarwar, herself a resident of Coupar Angus and former member of the Community Council, has now written to the Access Officer in charge of the consultation, suggesting that posters about the consultation should be put up at either end of the popular local path, known locally as "the berry fields". Mrs Sarwar added:

"I would also like to query that any consultation has taken place over this Core Path prior to the most recent Development Management Meeting. As a previous member of the Coupar Angus Community Council, I am aware of times that we have been told a consultation process has been run but really this amounted to an email with a brief outline and not much more.

"I am aware that constituents do not always feel their views are listened to and would really like to avoid that happening in this matter. The Path is used regularly by many members of the community and I am keen to show my support for it remaining a Core Path.

Some local residents have pointed out that the berry fields path is also a right of way, raising the question of what additional benefits there are from core path status.

Objections should be submitted in writing to Jane Pritchard ([email protected]).

For further information, see these documents:

- Initial consultation, sent to Coupar Angus and Bendochy Community Council in January (word doc)
- Details of core path selected for deletion, coup/104 (PDF file)

Fun for kids, age 4-12, at St Johns Shopping Centre!

15/7/2017

This summer kids aged 4-12 are invited to come along and try out our fun workshops. They’re totally FREE and lots of fun! It’s the perfect way to spend a few days off in the holidays. Kids will have to be with a parent or carer for the duration of the sessions but it’s fun for grown up’s too!
Every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from the 11th July – 3rd August 2017, there will be a workshop on in the shopping centre from 11am – 3pm. We will be joined by Live Active Leisure, Culture Perth and Kinross and also the wonderful Hannah who is bursting full of fun, creative ideas and activities to get involved in.

For more information go to
http://www.stjshopping.co.uk/summer-holiday-fun-at-st-johns-shopping-centre/

Consultation on sidlaw park plans

13/7/2017

Perth and Kinross Council invites you to comments on its plans to improve the play park at Sidlaw Place by 20th July 2017. Click on plan below to open full size PDF file, and then submit your comments at http://pkc.sidlawplace.sgizmo.com/s3/.

Message from new councillor

12/7/2017

We recently wrote to the four councillors for Strathmore Ward asking for a few words about their priorities for their new term of office. The first to reply is Fiona Sarwar, who is the first Coupar Angus resident to be elected to Perth and Kinross Councillor in at least 15 years:

“It is a privilege to have been elected as Councillor for the Strathmore Ward. It has been a hectic couple of months and there has been a lot to learn in a short period of time. I am looking forward to settling into this new role and learning as much as I can about the ward and its residents. My priority is simple: to assist and facilitate as much as I can, in creating safe and thriving communities.
Best wishes,
Fiona Sarwar.”

We hope to publish articles from Dennis, Colin and Lewis shortly.

Click here for information about your local democratic representatives.