Well the last few mornings have had an autumnal feel to them and right on cue at Committee this week we will be discussing the winter maintenance scheduling for this winter.
Last year I asked for and was successful in getting our resources to be used in a more demand response way rather than just following set routes, our assets should be able to travel and be used in local areas where snowfall and ice is present rather than sticking to specific areas. With PKC being such a large area snowfall and wintery conditions can be quite localised.
Residents were helpful in pointing out areas of concern and help was sent there if possible.
Looking slightly backwards towards Summer the dirty camping situation in our immediate area definitely improved from last year. Community groups working alongside the police and PKC staff helped greatly to improve things and hopefully this improvement can be built on again next Summer.
One area which does need serious attention and action now, is the parking and traffic situation in Dunkeld and the overnight parking of motorhomes within Council car parks. This allied to the tail backs through the village of traffic trying to access the A9 creates a headache for locals and visitors alike. I was pleased to see the Roads Dept. acted swiftly on my request which came to me via DBBC, that the road signage be refreshed throughout Dunkeld.
The schools will start this week and certain Covid restrictions will be in place but these will be constantly reviewed as the term progresses. Unfortunately the current Administration have forced through the end of fresh school meals in PKC, these will be getting replaced by frozen meals shipped in from Dundee. I opposed this proposal for 4 years and still do not think it is the correct way to feed our young people.
Over the last 8 months I have been sitting on the Appointment Panel for the new Chief Executive of PKC. Last Thursday Thomas Glen was offered and accepted the post. I wish Thomas all the best and hope he proves to be an innovative and inspiring leader as we come through the difficult period ahead. Thomas is currently the Depute Chief Executive of East Dunbartonshire.
Having had Covid last year I was glad to receive both my vaccinations this Summer and hope that this allied to a possible booster inoculation will enable us all to fight off this virus and that life can return to what seems a normal way of living. Many people within the Community can be proud of what they have done individually throughout the pandemic but the Community as a whole can be proud of how they have tackled this scourge together.
Just waiting for someone to mention the C*******S word anytime now!!!

Best Wishes and good health to All.

Grant Laing
Councillor Grant Laing
Scottish National Party (SNP)
Ward 5 – Strathtay
Perth & Kinross Council
glaing@pkc.gov.uk or Tel: 07881 500501 or 01738 475023