Perth MP Pete Wishart has defended a controversial council chambers revamp after stinging criticism from Tory politicians.
Plans to spend nearly £1 million moving top floor offices at Perth and Kinross Council’s High Street HQ to ground level were condemned by the local Conservative group.
And the row escalated last week when The Courier revealed the contents of a leaked memo, showing nearly £150,000 would be spent on new furniture and fittings.
Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser said the same SNP politicians who “moan on constantly” about cutbacks had voted for the redevelopment.
Mr Wishart has hit back, stressing that the council chambers move would improve access for disabled visitors and create a safer working environment.
“To hear Murdo Fraser complaining about budget cuts shows a spectacular lack of awareness given that it is his political party who has the ideological fascination with austerity,” he said.
“This plan signals Perth and Kinross Council’s commitment to the city centre in Perth at a time when some local authorities are moving to out of town business parks and sending the wrong message to investors.”
Mr Wishart added: “The new ground floor rooms will see an end to the currently woeful disabled access at 2 High Street and will also see staff working in a safer, custom-built environment.
“Given that the Conservative council group were keen supporters of this plan up until Murdo’s intervention, you could be forgiven for thinking that minds were changed with one eye firmly on the Scottish Parliament elections in May.”