Complaints about derelict site in Alyth

Jul 12 2012 by Clare Damodaran, Blairgowrie Adv

CONCERNS about the state of the former TSB premises in Alyth and how it could impact on business and tourism in the town have been raised.

Local resident, Alan Palmer, contacted the Blairie about the situation.

He said: “Alyth is a pretty town which attracts people both to visit the town itself and those on their way through to the glens.

“For some time now, the site behind the Royal Bank has been fenced off, presumably ready for development, but it is now a very unsightly area in the middle of the town.

“The problem is that developers can buy land and then just leave it without maintaining it. The site is a disgrace.

“I wrote to the owner in Dundee earlier this year suggesting that it should be cleaned up and if the development is some time off then perhaps it could be used in the short term as an overflow car park or something that would enhance the town. But I have not received a reply.

“There is also an old garage next to the waste land which I understand is also owned by the developer and this is also falling into disrepair.

“Commercial property owners should have consideration for others who use the area and should make every effort to keep land and property in good condition.”

The chairman of Alyth Community Council, Sanjay Samani, said that issues like this were of concern.

He said: “The community council initiated the Alyth 2020 working group to consult people in Alyth about what they saw as the future for the town.

“As part of that process, a number of sites were identified that were owned by individuals or developers that were not actively being used.

“There were concerns raised that some of these plots are not being maintained and becoming a potential eyesore for the town. This included the plot behind RBS, amongst others.

“Whilst we appreciate that the tough economic climate means that some developers are struggling to move forward with their plans, the community council would certainly encourage the owners of these plots to maintain them in good order. This will help to give the town a positive image for locals and visitors and help support local businesses that rely on the tourist trade.”

Councillor Dennis Melloy is also frustrated by the situation.

He said: “The site in question has been a thorn in the flesh for some time. I took this up with Perth and Kinross Council was advised that all they could do was to request that the site be tidied up, they have no powers to make them do it.

“I also contacted the parks and recreation department last year to raise questions as to the unkempt state of the once beautiful rose bed along the burn, which was donated to the town and which was covered in weeds and overgrown shrubs - the weeds were sticking out of the burn walls and the Wee Park over the road bridge.

“They did respond by weeding the rose bed area but did nothing about the shrubs, and we are now back in the same situation as last year. I have again raised this with parks and recreation and I am waiting for a response.

“At least the town is fortunate to have a small team of volunteers in Alyth in Bloom who work tirelessly to make some areas of the town attractive. PKC has had to cut back drastically on many services throughout Perth and Kinross, which everyone understands, but all that is required is for Alyth to be added to a programme of maintenance which is well within budget.

“When I look at the centre of other towns, including Perth, I don’t see the unkempt and neglected state that exists in Alyth.”

A spokesperson for PKC said: “The council has not received any queries or complaints recently regarding the land in question.

“If anyone has concerns about a derelict building or piece of land, they can contact us and we will investigate and determine whether any formal action is required.”

The site is understood to have been purchased by a Dundee-based property developer.

The Blairie attempted to find and speak to the owner of the land, but were unable to track them down.