Perth FM News - 25th March 2010

Local MP labels Chancellor as 'clapped-out'

After launching a fair fuel campaign earlier in the week, MP Pete Wishart has hit out at the increase in fuel tax included in the new budget. Mr Wishart's concerns cover prices at the pumps and in stores, as hauliers will be forced to cover their costs. The 3p increase that will be levied over the coming months has angered the MP who has condemned Mr Darling's decision. He has labelled the Chancellor as 'clapped out' and accused him of using smoke and mirrors to disguise the increase by staggering the rises between now and next year.

Councillor comments on confusion in Chambers

Yesterday's special council meeting has led to the disappointment of many Perth residents, as revocation of original planning consent for the incinerator was defeated. Council Officers had recommended a defence against appeals by waste company Grundon, rather than the possibly costly revocation. Councillor Archie McLellan led the calls to put an end to the saga once and for all with his revocation supporting amendment. He's commented on the sorrow he now feels for the people of Perth. He told Perth FM, "the people of Perth have been ill served by yesterday's decision. I'm sure the people who took it did so in good faith, but there was a great deal of confusion in the Chambers yesterday over exactly what we were voting for. A number of people said that if it had been more clear cut they might have been more inclined to support [revocation]."

Welcome return of missing eagle

Falconers in Auchterarder are celebrating after the return of Pilgrim – their missing bald eagle. The eight year old bird of prey had been driven out of the woods by resident buzzards when strong winds took him farther than he was used to. Pilgrim has been hand reared from birth and concerns mounted for his ability to survive in the wild. Fortunately, a bird watcher spotted him 10 miles away and the relieved team were reunited with the eagle, dubbed a 'big softie'.