The news that a Perthshire fishery has been forced to close its doors next month has been met with disappointment by locals.
Carse of Gowrie councillor Mac Robert said the issue needs to be taken “very seriously.”
“At this time when all businesses are working under severe pressure, when every job should be valued, the threat of closure to a small business, particularly one that requires little or no public subsidy, must be taken very seriously,” he said.
“New small businesses are the lifeblood of the economy and must be encouraged to develop if we are not to face a bleak economic future. All parties must work together to ensure that this tourist and recreational facility does not close, with the loss of these valuable jobs.
“While planning regulations have to be adhered to we must not give the impression that Perth and Kinross is closed to new business.”
However, not everyone is feeling sympathy for Mr Clarke, with two online comments stating that he should have complied with the planning regulations from the beginning.
Perth and Kinross Council took enforcement action against Tay Salmon Fisheries after finding it had breached planning controls in that it did not have permission to change the original use of the land.
A linked, but separate enforcement order relates to a former fishing lodge on the site which has over time been converted into a public cafe.
The council had received complaints about the site and has now taken action to shut it down, with the enforcement order stating, “In view of the lack of proper assessment and the existing access considerations and road safety concerns, the planning authority considers that a planning application for the shop and cafe would not be granted planning permission in its present form.”
However, Mr Clarke claims the title deeds for the land fully permit Tay Salmon Fisheries to develop it in this way and that, legally, it is not required to go through the planning process.
He has already complied with the enforcement notice, but has instructed lawyers to look at matters while he continues to negotiate with the council.
Photos courtesy of www.taysalmon.co.uk
As we reported earlier this week, the Willowgate Fishery and cafe at Kinfauns had been ordered to cease trading by February 4, due to issues with planning. Since then, a flood of support has come in for the Tay Salmon Fishing Company, owners of Willowgate, and chairman David Clarke.
A campaign has been launched on Facebook and is encouraging people to explain what they think the popular fishery brings to the area in a bid to “take the fight forward.”
Within a day of being set up, the Save Willowgate page had over 40 people pledging support. Readers have also left messages on our website condemning the move by Perth and Kinross Council, as well as urging Mr Clarke to continue fighting his corner.
For Kate Clark in Perth, the closure will not only take away one of her pastimes, but also a career opportunity for her grandson.
She told us, “I am devastated that the Willowgate is closing for good. My 14-year-old grandson worked in the kitchen, learning skills from the chef as he wants to go into catering.
“I have lost my hobby and there is very little else in Perth for a pensioner. The cafe was a great place for people and was extremely busy.”
Fellow Perth resident Paul McLean was also a regular at the fishery, even learning to fish there.
He said, “I’m disgusted by this story. I learned to fish at Willowgate and it’s grown into a hobby that will last me for life. It’s a real disappointment for me and also, I bet, for a lot of young lads looking for something to do around Perth.
“The guys who worked there were brilliant and the place was excellent.”
It is not just local residents missing out, as one charity in England has been left in the lurch.
Based in County Durham, the organisation, which helps children and anglers get “more from life” had booked a two-day trip to Willowgate in March for eight people and said the closure was “just stupid.”
Meanwhile, Bob McLean from Perth has been left “gobsmacked” by the decision and described it as “stupidity” on the part of the local authority, saying, “I hope David Clarke continues and I am sure he will gain the support of the people of Perth. It is time the council started working for the people and not against.”
However, one local councillor has come forward to offer his own support to Willowgate and urge people to work together to prevent its closure.
As we reported earlier this week, the Willowgate Fishery and cafe at Kinfauns had been ordered to cease trading by February 4, due to issues with planning. Since then, a flood of support has come in for the Tay Salmon Fishing Company, owners of Willowgate, and chairman David Clarke.
A campaign has been launched on Facebook and is encouraging people to explain what they think the popular fishery brings to the area in a bid to “take the fight forward.”
Within a day of being set up, the Save Willowgate page had over 40 people pledging support. Readers have also left messages on our website condemning the move by Perth and Kinross Council, as well as urging Mr Clarke to continue fighting his corner.
For Kate Clark in Perth, the closure will not only take away one of her pastimes, but also a career opportunity for her grandson.
She told us, “I am devastated that the Willowgate is closing for good. My 14-year-old grandson worked in the kitchen, learning skills from the chef as he wants to go into catering.
“I have lost my hobby and there is very little else in Perth for a pensioner. The cafe was a great place for people and was extremely busy.”
Fellow Perth resident Paul McLean was also a regular at the fishery, even learning to fish there.
He said, “I’m disgusted by this story. I learned to fish at Willowgate and it’s grown into a hobby that will last me for life. It’s a real disappointment for me and also, I bet, for a lot of young lads looking for something to do around Perth.
“The guys who worked there were brilliant and the place was excellent.”
It is not just local residents missing out, as one charity in England has been left in the lurch.
Based in County Durham, the organisation, which helps children and anglers get “more from life” had booked a two-day trip to Willowgate in March for eight people and said the closure was “just stupid.”
Meanwhile, Bob McLean from Perth has been left “gobsmacked” by the decision and described it as “stupidity” on the part of the local authority, saying, “I hope David Clarke continues and I am sure he will gain the support of the people of Perth. It is time the council started working for the people and not against.”
However, one local councillor has come forward to offer his own support to Willowgate and urge people to work together to prevent its closure.
As we reported earlier this week, the Willowgate Fishery and cafe at Kinfauns had been ordered to cease trading by February 4, due to issues with planning. Since then, a flood of support has come in for the Tay Salmon Fishing Company, owners of Willowgate, and chairman David Clarke.
A campaign has been launched on Facebook and is encouraging people to explain what they think the popular fishery brings to the area in a bid to “take the fight forward.”
Within a day of being set up, the Save Willowgate page had over 40 people pledging support. Readers have also left messages on our website condemning the move by Perth and Kinross Council, as well as urging Mr Clarke to continue fighting his corner.
For Kate Clark in Perth, the closure will not only take away one of her pastimes, but also a career opportunity for her grandson.
She told us, “I am devastated that the Willowgate is closing for good. My 14-year-old grandson worked in the kitchen, learning skills from the chef as he wants to go into catering.
“I have lost my hobby and there is very little else in Perth for a pensioner. The cafe was a great place for people and was extremely busy.”
Fellow Perth resident Paul McLean was also a regular at the fishery, even learning to fish there.
He said, “I’m disgusted by this story. I learned to fish at Willowgate and it’s grown into a hobby that will last me for life. It’s a real disappointment for me and also, I bet, for a lot of young lads looking for something to do around Perth.
“The guys who worked there were brilliant and the place was excellent.”
It is not just local residents missing out, as one charity in England has been left in the lurch.
Based in County Durham, the organisation, which helps children and anglers get “more from life” had booked a two-day trip to Willowgate in March for eight people and said the closure was “just stupid.”
Meanwhile, Bob McLean from Perth has been left “gobsmacked” by the decision and described it as “stupidity” on the part of the local authority, saying, “I hope David Clarke continues and I am sure he will gain the support of the people of Perth. It is time the council started working for the people and not against.”
However, one local councillor has come forward to offer his own support to Willowgate and urge people to work together to prevent its closure.