C'llr Lyall - June Update
Travelling to work on Sunday 24 June, I was a little apprehensive. Being a member of Pitlochry Ambulance Station and one of the Local Councillor’s for Highland Perthshire who had been critical of the Councils and Etape’s consultation, (or lack of consultation) on the cycle event. My views were fairly simple. I thought that an event in Highland Perthshire could be good for the area in respect of an Economic boost and be a spectacle for the communities and tourists here. That said there were obvious flaws in the consultation process.
The full consultation did not really start until the end of March 2007, yet the Council's Officers were continually adamant that the consultation started in September 2006. How can you consult fully when you do not know the date of the event, the timings of the event, how long the road closures were and the route. |
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With such short notice I do not think it was in any way fair to some of the many businesses or residents in Highland Perthshire to make alternative arrangements for the day.
Another point is that as the route started and finished in Pitlochry, then inevitably it would be the main benefactor of any economic benefit, and other area’s such as Kinloch Rannoch, Tummel Bridge, Camserney, Strathtay, Ballechin etc, it would have a negative impact, with not only businesses having to close, but also that they would not gain any extra trade from the entrants of the event.
From the Ambulance Service point of view, the event went off very smoothly. There were extra ambulances dotted about the circuit, with very few incidents and only one competitor having to be taken to Perth Royal Infirmary. The extra cover actually helped a resident who needed assistance as the ambulance was far closer to the patient’s house than the usual ambulance in Pitlochry would have ordinarily have been.
The event start was staggered which ensured that the cyclists were well spread out through out the circuit. This ensured that when they got to Dull & Weem Church the congregation were bussed safely home, easily slipping into the ‘stream’. I understand that this was a successful compromise between Etape and the congregation, all be it at a late stage in the whole process.
After the event I did receive some concerns and complains regarding litter left on the route, which was cleaned up by the following Wednesday. I am also a bit concerned about the businesses that either had to close for the event or those whose takings were down. I think that the fairest way is to change the start/finish of the event and spread it around Highland Perthshire. I will certainly be proposing that to the event organiser and the Council.
As for the event’s future, I understand that it is the intention of Etape Caledonia to run the event yearly, slowly increasing the competitors each year. What I expect to happen now is for a fairly quick debrief about the event, a part of which would include a couple of public meetings to get a real view of the event. I would then expect comments and concerns to be taken on board. The proposed date, timings and route for next year should be should be open and fully consulted with it being concluded at the latest by the end of the summer so that there is plenty of time for everyone to make and/or alter their plans for the event day.
I recognise that, from my point of view, I will have to keep my finger on the pulse with all the consultation and the actions of Etape and the Council's Economic Development Department. I am guilty by implication this year. I did expect the Council's Officers and event organisers to go away in October last year, do all the consultation etc without me having to keep an eye on them, but sadly that did not happen. I will be far more vigilant this time.
You can get in touch with me on 01887 820183 or by email: klyall@pkc.gov.uk
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