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Further delays with Perth Harbour closure gets stern reaction from councillors
Perth Harbour Closure Faces Further Delays, Prompting Councillors’ Criticism
Councillors in Perth have expressed frustration over the ongoing delays in closing Perth Harbour as a commercial port. Perth and Kinross Council (PKC) made the decision to shut down the port in February 2023 due to financial losses. This marks the first instance in Scotland where a statutory port authority is considering closing a harbour and relinquishing its duties to ensure user safety. The Finance and Resources Committee of PKC recently highlighted a projected overspend of £70,000 for the harbour’s operational costs. These figures were discussed during a meeting to review PKC’s 2024/25 General Fund Revenue Budget.
Earlier this year, PKC disclosed that it costs around £7,000 each month to maintain the harbour’s operations for commercial traffic and to comply with safety regulations under the Port Marine Safety Code. Perth City Centre councillor Peter Barrett raised concerns about the delays and associated costs, questioning the timeline for consultation with Transport Scotland. The SNP council leader, Grant Laing, also expressed frustration at the prolonged process and pledged to follow up with Transport Scotland.
Serge Merone, PKC’s Business and Investment manager, explained that additional information requested by Transport Scotland had caused further setbacks. Despite these challenges, plans are in place to finalize the public notice and commence consultation in December. Councillors echoed their discontent with the situation and proposed joint letters to expedite the process, including reaching out to MSP Jim Fairlie for support.
In response to queries, a spokesperson from Transport Scotland affirmed their commitment to collaborating with PKC officials to progress the Perth Harbour Closure Order into the formal public consultation phase.
Insights:
The delays in closing Perth Harbour as a commercial port highlight the complexities involved in such decisions and the challenges faced by local authorities in navigating regulatory processes. It underscores the importance of efficient communication and coordination between different stakeholders to streamline procedures and minimize financial burdens on public resources. The case of Perth Harbour serves as a reminder of the intricate balance between economic considerations and safety regulations in managing port facilities.
Summary:
Perth and Kinross Council’s efforts to close Perth Harbour as a commercial port have encountered delays, drawing criticism from councillors. The extended timeline and associated costs underscore the need for transparent communication and proactive engagement with relevant authorities. The ongoing challenges emphasize the significance of effective governance and strategic planning to address operational issues and ensure regulatory compliance within the maritime industry.