Perth FM News - 17th May 2010

Free school breakfasts labelled 'discriminatory'

Reductions in class sizes and the piloting of breakfast clubs for pupils in primaries one through three are to be discussed by councillors this week. Already the breakfast plans have come under fire from the Conservative contingent on the Lifelong learning committee, who believe it to be discriminatory. Strathearn Councillor Barbara Vaughan says it discriminates against rural areas as those listed to receive the free meals are in the urban areas. According to reports, the breakfasts will be introduced to schools with the highest level of free meal entitlements.

Etape opens 2011 registration

Organisers of the Etape Caledonia have no opened registration for next year's event. Following on from a successful weekend, it's expected that places for the 2011 event will fill up fast. Already MacMillan Cancer care have reported donations totally over 300 thousand pounds, which is expected to rise as more flood in over the next two months. The success of the Etape, as a closed-road event, has lead to the creation of a second, similar event to be held in Ireland later this year.

Community Council says wind farm plans pose 'safety risk'

Controversy rages over proposed changes to access routes during construction of what is to be Scotland's third largest wind farm - based in Perthshire. Dunkeld and Birnam Community Council say the plans will pose a major safety risk and claim residents have not been properly consulted. The John Muir Trust have already spoken of their reservations on the changes, which the community council also believe could have an economic impact on the local area. Scottish and Southern Energy insist they have planned responsibly and point out that Perth and Kinross Council ultimately assess the merits of other possible routes.