Perth woman condemns lack of snow-clearing and refuse collections in Perth

Jan 22 2010 by Andrew Welsh, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

Dear Editor, – As we are all aware, the winter has hit us hard this year. Not only have the council been unable to get our pavements suitable to be able to walk safely, they are also not getting our refuse uplifted either.

During the festive period, on phoning the council helpline, we were directed to call the facilities at Friarton with their number.

I called the Friarton number to be told that I should not be calling it and, “where did I get it from?” I was told then that they have problems getting our bins even when there is no snow on the ground, so where did I get this number?

I did let the man know where I got the number from and felt upset that he should feel the need to be unkind on the phone. I do understand that weather like this does hamper things like this but to be told that they have a problem with getting our bins at any time was unkind.

There are some bin lorry drivers who can come up our area and turn their lorries on a 'dime' and then there are those who look like they need to have more lessons.

To be honest, if the council feel that it is too much for them to keep things in order then what are those on 'community service' doing? Why are they not helping them to get all the pavements clear?

Earlier on TV a council person was quoted saying that people in Perth should be “grateful” to the council workers that are out away from their families clearing snow.

I feel I am middle aged so I am able to get around on foot but there are a lot of elderly in the town who have, since the beginning of the snow, been prisoners in their own homes cold and unable to get to the shops for the basics.

To be honest I feel, and am sure not alone in my thoughts, the council/councillors should be ashamed of leaving the Fair City of Perth in such a state.

Ruby McCafferty,

Fortingall Place,

Perth.