A simmering political row over the future of Perth city centre is on the verge of boiling point after fresh calls for more action to protect high street shops.
Members of the re-energised Conservative group will throw down the gauntlet at council talks later this month, calling on the SNP administration to draw up a new strategy to address concerns raised by disgruntled shopkeepers.
At a business seminar last month, traders called for a series of changes including a major parking review and the scrapping of pedestrianised zones.
In a strongly-worded motion which will go before councillors on May 18, Conservative group leader Alexander Stewart – now an MSP for Mid-Scotland and Fife – calls on the council to “highlight the increasing concern of local businesses both in Perth and other towns in Perth and Kinross about the inability of the current SNP administration to show any meaningful leadership in developing an effective strategy to support businesses, including retail and tourism.”
He wants to the local authority to ask the chief executive to present a report at a follow-up meeting in June, “clearly identifying measures and timescales that are proposed to address these concerns.” He said the study should be subject to future consultation with business owners.
But the move has been condemned by council leader Ian Miller and described as “partisan and opportunistic” by deputy first minister John Swinney.
The Tories are looking for support for their four-point strategy aimed at breathing new life into city and attract more shoppers and investment.
The plan was first mooted after the sudden collapse of McEwens department store in March. It was backed by city centre shopkeepers at last month’s seminar.
The Conservatives’ multi-faceted approach calls for improved business rates, an overhaul of parking and urgent decisions on city hall and St Paul’s Kirk.
Mr Miller said: “My immediate reaction is that the motion is an opportunity lost.
“It is sad that instead of falling in line with the considerable work that has already been commissioned by the council, councillor Stewart has chosen to play party politics with the issue.”
He said: “The economic wellbeing of the city of Perth is of paramount importance to me because the success of the city has a spin off impact on the entire Perth and Kinross economy. That is why we have established the City Development Board, led by the private sector, to bring new ideas and initiatives to the city.”
Mr Miller added: “In a period where empty High Street units are the norm in many Scottish towns and cities, Perth is performing very well.”
Mr Swinney said: “There are clearly many challenges facing Perth city centre and other towns centres in Perth and Kinross, given the changing patterns of shopping by members of the public.
“These issues are the concerns of business, the community and all politicians.”
He said: “It is vital we have a constructive debate about how businesses, the local authority and other public bodies can work together to overcome these challenges.
“I don’t think that possibility is helped by partisan and opportunistic motions of this type.”
MSP Murdo Fraser said: “The business community in Perth are united in their desire to see meaningful action from the council and this motion aims to pressure the SNP group into actually listening to their concerns.
“The impressive attendance at the Conservative held business summit before the election demonstrated the real strength of feeling amongst the business community for change and it is important that we take their ideas forward.”
“Above all the SNP needs to stand up and listen, Perth businesses are not happy and it is within their gift to change this and I would suggest they take this motion seriously.”