Commuters have been barred from a popular free parking spot on the grounds of a former Perth hospital.
For a number of years the land off Dundee Road, once occupied by Hillside Hospital, has been a major draw for motorists hunting for a space in the morning as it is just a short walk from the city centre. It has also been widely used by golfers playing at the nearby King James VI club.
However the area, which borders the Norrie-Miller walk, has now been shut off with large metal chains and concrete blocks.
Users were also reportedly handed notices stating that they should stop entering with immediate effect and one car could be seen stranded within the cordon.
”I got a bit of a shock when I turned up to find it closed off,” said one driver. ”I live out of town but work in the centre of Perth so often park here. I’ve always known it was an unofficial thing but it has been really handy and saved me a lot of cash.”
It is not clear who ordered the move but Lorimer Homes has earmarked the 1.72 hectare site for a 76-bed care home, 20 close-care facilities and 49 residential flats.
Perth and Kinross Council granted the building firm planning permission for the development back in 2007 but no work has taken place since the demolition of Hillside that same year. It had been hoped that the project would create around 100 jobs.
The 19th century hospital, which closed its doors in 1997 following a hard-hitting report from the Scottish Health Advisory Service, had been on the market for nearly eight years. Proposals to turn it into a hotel and conference centre during that time fell at the first hurdle.
Though busy with cars during daytime hours, concerns have been expressed that the land is used by groups of ”anti-social” youths at night.
Councillor Peter Barrett, who has been campaigning for action to be taken to secure the riverside site, revealed he had not heard from Lorimer Homes for around four years.
The Courier was unable to make contact with the Glasgow-based company for comment.