A councillor claims locals and tourists visiting one of Perth’s top attractions will face a dearth of catering facilities.
Willie Wilson, one of the representatives for Perth City South, said it is “unacceptable” that no one has taken over the caf at the redeveloped South Inch, leaving visitors with “only an ice cream van”.
At a recent meeting of Perth and Kinross Council’s Perth Common Good Fund committee, members heard that despite three parties previously thought to be showing an interest, no one has come forward to say they wish to run the caf, built as part of the £570,000 investment by the council.
Mr Wilson told the committee he “failed to understand” why youngsters and parents using the “excellent” facilities at the South Inch, were having to suffer the fact that no business is running the caf.
“The South Inch park is a great facility and a lot of work has been done to it and the pavilion,” he said.
“It is a big draw for locals and tourists alike, but all we have to offer them is an ice cream van it’s pathetic. Our aspirations should be greater than that not to undermine the ice cream van.
“When will we pull the finger out?”
He continued: “Perhaps some of the voluntary sector organisations such as Giraffe, Macmillan or Live Active Leisure may want to run the caf. Part of the problem is that the premises are, perhaps, too large.”
Councillor Jack Coburn, the committee’s convener, said he agreed with Mr Wilson “150%” but stated that no one had showed an interest in running the caf.
“Something should be done we have to get people to apply to run the caf,” he stated.
Councillor Alexander Stewart asked what would happen to the caf if no one came forward to run it.
“It is still a vibrant building and could be used for the community,” he said.
Anyone taking over the caf would find a home in the South Inch pavilion and building complex vacated by the South Inch Bowling Club.