Group devised to consider ‘processions’ for Perth 800

Nov 17 2009 by Les Stewart, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

AS Perth prepares for its big 800th anniversary celebrations next year, a multi-agency working group is to be set up to consider any public processions which could have a “significant impact” on the daily lives of the community, writes Les Stewart.

The group would comprise appropriate officers from Perth and Kinross Council, together with representatives from the police, fire and ambulance services.

A report to this week’s meeting of the council’s licensing committee noted that most of the processions held throughout Perth and Kinross are “relatively small-scale local events,” run by members of the local community.

They are normally dealt with by officers under powers delegated to Gillian Taylor, the Head of Democratic Services.

“For larger events, which potentially have an impact on the normal life of significant sections of the community, a different approach, involving wider consultation, is required,” she noted in a report to Wednesday’s meeting.”

Applications for processions in that category would be considered by the multi-agency group, who would make recommendations to the Head of Democratic Services.

She would then prepare the necessary paperwork, with any conditions, attached.

If deemed appropriate, a report would go to the licensing committee for determination.