Perth FM News - 22nd February 2010

Free meals labelled discriminatory by area

Vulnerable youngsters from low income families could be excluded from a 300 thousand pound policy aimed at encouraging healthy eating in Perth and Kinross, the local Tory group has claimed. The commitment to introducing a breakfast and brunch club pilot scheme in primary schools was one of the key announcements in Perth and Kinross council's latest budget. Councillor Ian Miller said the new pilot scheme would be targeting to areas of greatest need. However the council's Conservative group has launched an attack on the clubs, as it will be rolled out to all children in designated areas – which will include those from wealthy families – while other areas of need will not be included. Conservative spokeswoman, Councillor Barbara Vaughn has said the scheme is discriminatory solely on geography and not need. She added that an augmentation to the free school meals would have been 'worthy of support'.

Controversial hydro scheme to be discussed

A controversial hydro scheme in Aberfeldy will be debated in private by councillors this week. The development could provide an annual income of 42 thousand pounds to the Aberfeldy Common Good fund if they enter into an agreement to lease land within their control. The 1MW scheme, which will produce the electricity equivalent to supplying one quarter of Aberfeldy's needs, received planning permission last year. Due to the financial aspects of the project, member's of the common food fund will deliberate on Wednesday.

PKC 5th highest in recylcing

Perth and Kinross Council remains one of the best performing local authorities in Scotland for recycling, according to the latest Scottish Environment Protection Agency figures. From July to September last year, the local recycling and composting rate was almost 50 percent placing Perth & Kinross Council fifth highest out of 32 councils. The majority of households in Perth and Kinross now have access to the kerbside recycling service and the ongoing introduction of extra local Recycling Points throughout the area allows easier access to these facilities. Improvement works to Recycling Centres are also being carried out to extend the number of materials that can be recycled at the centres, including timber, scrap metal and rubble.