A Perth businessman is calling for a radical subterranean solution to the problem of “eyesore” waste bins in the heart of the city.
“If we are going to spend £12 million on lighting up the city what is going to be done about the medieval vennels?” asked Jim Barclay, 71.
Using Fleshers’ Vennel, which links South Street and St John’s Square, as an example, he said that there are 24 wheelie bins along the 100 yards of the thoroughfare.
“Any tourist will throw their arms up in horror when they see that,” he said. “How can you leave it like this?”
Mr Barclay hopes that Perth and Kinross Council will consider embracing the solution pioneered on the continent and in London of underground bins.
These have a bin at ground level which feeds into a large subterranean container which is emptied by lorry. To ensure that only local businesses or residents use them they are only accessed by a special card.
Mr Barclay believes that this solution would mean that the vennels would become more attractive and the smell and rubbish on the ground would be reduced.
He said that the streets around the vennels could accommodate the bins and improve the look of the city.
The businessman has two shop properties in the vennel which he finds difficult to let, a situation he believes is squarely down to the number of bins.
“Planning officers often talk about the setting of a listed building – Fleshers’ Vennel is only a short distance from the A-listed St John’s Kirk,” he said.
“Numerous people want to take on the shops but when they see the mess, they just walk away.”
In Tower Hamlets in London 115 of the underground bins have been installed as part of a regeneration project and Mr Barclay has seen them used successfully in Spain.
A spokesperson for Perth and Kinross Council said: “The council always, as part of our ongoing review of waste and recycling services, continues to look at the latest developments in technology and assess whether introducing alternative waste disposal options would be appropriate in the future.
“We have previously given consideration to the use of underground waste bins in suitable locations. The initial outlay for introducing underground bins in place of traditional bins is significant, in addition to ongoing maintenance costs.
“However, we continue to monitor developments and costs with a view to different approaches.”