An action plan has been unveiled to prevent disaster at a popular Perthshire beach.
Police and fire chiefs are working with residents and council officers on a new strategy to save lives and clamp down on trouble makers on the banks of the River Tay at Stanley.
Efforts by firefighters to tackle the blaze were hampered by dozens of parked cars blocking the narrow road that connects the village to the shore.
An eight-pronged proposal is being put in place to prevent a repeat of the incident.
New signs will be installed along Linn Road to remind motorists access for emergency vehicles is required at all times and it is an offence to obstruct the road.
A ‘no turning’ sign will also be put in the place at the start of the road.
Perth and Kinross Council has agreed to review passing places along the route, with a view to either widening them or marking them as designated areas which would prohibit parking altogether.
At the same time, the authority’s roads chiefs will also set the ball rolling on the legal process to get double yellow lines on either side of the street.
Police Scotland will increase patrols in the area around Stanley Beach and Campsie Linn over the summer months.
The Safer Communities team will carry out a leaflet drop, alerting residents to work being carried out to crack down on antisocial behaviour.
Signs will be erected at the beach highlighting a contact number for community wardens and encouraging residents to report any problems.
A social media campaign is also planned to “encourage responsible land access” and to ask sun-seekers to behave responsibly while visiting the beach.
Following the fire, concerns were raised about a lack of safety equipment at the riverside. A throwline has now been installed, with further rescue kit under consideration.
The action plan was agreed in principal by the Police Scotland-led multi-agency taskforce and announced at a meeting of the Stanley and District Community Council.
Local councillor Grant Laing (SNP) supported the plan. “This isn’t about stopping people having fun,” he said.
“It’s about getting people to act responsibly and safely.”
Around 50 people took part in the beach party in April. It is understood some of the revellers set fire to a tree on a small island and left it to burn.
Firefighters were unable to get their vehicles to the area, and had to park and walk to the scene. They spent about 90 minutes bringing the blaze under control.
