Residents call for 'hazardous' Blairgowrie site to be cleared four years on from fire

Almost four years after a fire destroyed a Blairgowrie laundry, residents are calling for the “hazardous” site to be cleared.

Shortly after the October 2022 blaze at Blair’s Laundry on Emma Street, Perth and Kinross Council (PKC) served a Dangerous Building Notice ordering its demolition and “has continued to pursue this matter over a prolonged period”.

Over 50 residents attended a public meeting at the neighbouring Guide Hut on July 30, demanding action, with a petition also launched with almost 1,000 signatures.

Chris Menday lives opposite the “eyesore”, which is on a busy road that leads to Blairgowrie High School and Blairgowrie Recreation Centre.

He said: “There are concerns about asbestos.

“It also sits on a junction, and the fencing obstructs your sight lines, and pedestrians can’t use the pavement. It’s a safety risk.”

Mr Menday said he regularly hears the “screeching of brakes” and there had been a “few near misses”.

Chris added: “Something needs to be done after four years. It’s an eyesore.”

He said residents were also concerned about kids going into the site and “messing about” and debris from the site blowing next door into the Guide Hut’s green area.

Concerned resident Karan Smith has started an online petition, which currently has 852 signatures.

She said: “As a local resident, this situation affects me deeply, as well as other members of our community. Forced to navigate around hazardous rubble and navigate inaccessible footpaths, we’ve been left with no choice but to endure substandard conditions.

“This is particularly challenging for wheelchair users who risk their safety every day by being forced onto a bustling road when attempting to access other buildings in the vicinity.

“Even more concerning is the fact that we are living opposite a building potentially contaminated with asbestos and other toxic wastes, a hazard that looms over our daily lives. The ruins continue to shed rubble, while potential toxins seep into the surrounding soil without oversight or remediation from the relevant authorities.

“This petition urges the immediate enforcement action to demolish or repair the building at Emma Street and to clear away hazardous waste and materials, including asbestos. We demand the restoration of public footpaths to ensure they are safe and accessible to all, especially for individuals using wheelchairs. Additionally, clear lines of sight at the junction of Arthur Street for all vehicles entering Emma Street must be established to reduce traffic risks and enhance public safety.”

All three Blairgowrie and Glens ward councillors attended last week’s meeting.

SNP councillor Tom McEwan said there was “anger, concern and fear felt in the local community at the lack of action”.

Cllr McEwan said: “I support the need and drive to now have solutions in as timely a manner as possible to finally implement solutions for these sites with no further delays.”

Local Conservative councillors Caroline Shiers and Bob Brawn thanked everyone for attending what they felt was a “constructive” meeting.

Cllr Shiers said: “I appeal to the owner of the site to work with the council and our partners to find that positive route forward in the best interests of all. I would, however, urge that the council not rule out using the powers available should that outcome not be achieved.”

Cllr Brawn added: “Clearly, there is an overwhelming concern not just as to how it looks but the potential danger to the public especially with the presence of asbestos.

“All three elected members have been involved in trying to get this matter concluded since the fire occurred and will now be working with the proposed action group, which is being formed, to hopefully accelerate this to a resolution.”

An action group has now been established, comprising several local residents and all three ward councillors.

A PKC spokesperson said: “We understand the frustration within the community about the lack of progress at the former Blair’s Laundry site and share concerns about its impact on the appearance of the area.

“A Dangerous Building Notice requiring demolition was served on the owner shortly after the fire, and they are responsible for complying with it. The council has continued to pursue this matter over a prolonged period and are continuing to engage with the owner in an effort to secure action.

“Our immediate priority has been ensuring public safety. Protective fencing remains in place around the building to prevent access to what is still considered a dangerous structure.

“We are already pressing the owner to fulfil their responsibilities and address the condition of the site. At the same time, we will continue to monitor the safety of the building and take any action necessary to protect the public.”

Council leader Eric Drysdale said: “I’m aware of the situation in Blairgowrie and understand the strength of feeling within the local community. I’m pleased to see ward members and residents working together to pursue this issue and make their voices heard.

He added: “As a council, we will continue to work with our partners in the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and the Health and Safety Executive to ensure the owner meets their responsibilities in relation to the building.”

Watch commander and local area liaison officer Frankie Shepherd – who attended last week’s meeting – said the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service was aware of community concerns.

He added: “Public safety is our priority and we will continue to work with partners as and when required.
“Owners of derelict properties are urged to ensure that they are properly secured to help minimise risk to the community.”

A spokesperson for the UK Government’s Health and Safety executive said it was not aware of any concerns having been raised with the HSE in respect of Blair’s Laundry.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service approached Blair’s Laundry for comment.