Conservative councillor Hugh Anderson claims Perth is "dying on its feet"

dailyrecord.co.uk:

A Perth and Kinross councillor this week upset the council's leader by describing Perth as "dying on its feet".SNP leader Grant Laing called the fellow elected member's comments "unhelpful".The war of words was sparked as members discussed the remit of a brand new Perth and Kinross Council committee.The Climate Change and Sustainability Committee met for the first time on Wednesday, August 24.

Questions were raised about what would fall within the committee's brief.Conservative Strathmore councillor Hugh Anderson asked what input the committee would have on council buildings and staff working from home and sustainability.He said: "At the other end we've got Perth - it's dying on its feet.

Footfall is very very important in Perth and the council workers and employees in Perth are a valuable resource to the businesses in the town.

I just wondered what input we will have on these changes to come."Executive director of Communities Barbara Renton said Cllr Anderson's question highlighted the range of issues that might be of interest to the committee but might not fall directly within the current remit.She said: "In relation to what buildings we have that might not be a decision for this committee but we would certainly be asking this committee their views on some of that."Sat in the city chambers at the top of Perth's High Street, council leader Grant Laing took exception to a fellow councillor "talking our city down".Cllr Laing said: "I really take issue with Cllr Anderson's comments about Perth 'dying on its feet'.