Growing concerns at Braidhaugh site
DESPITE assurances that Largo Leisure "don't want to throw anyone off the [holiday] park" at Braidhaugh, the Herald has been contacted by static caravan owners who claim their experience has been to the contrary.
Last week, Mairi Hunter, who has had a caravan on the site for three years, was sent a termination notice from the site operators.
The letter, signed by William Mathie and Katherine Campbell, the park managers, states: "Further to recent communications between Mrs Hunter and this office, we have given careful consideration to the renewal of your licence."
It concludes by giving the Hunters notice their licence would "not be renewed next March".
Mairi feels she has been given no adequate reason as to why her license has been terminated, but believes it could be due to the fact she has on more than one occasion raised concerns about the condition and future of the park.
She said: "Anyone questioning Largo Leisure over the future of the park are threatened with eviction – no reason needed. As was in my case after requesting a meeting with the park owner Mr Barrett.
"We were given an assurance by Mr Barrett when he took over that no one would be asked to leave. The park is now practically half empty with people leaving after suffering two and half years of uncertainty over the future."
The Herald have also received the following email from Ron Howie, who found himself in a similar situation last year.
Mr Howie states: "My wife and I kept a static caravan on Braidhaugh for over 20 years on the same pitch. When the site was sold by Mr and Mrs Campbell we were assured nothing would change.
"Before a year had passed we were told that certain caravans would be moving from their pitch to make room to build chalets.
"Shortly after we were informed we would have to move from our pitch as they were moving the access to the chalets and they would need our pitch for the road.
"We talked to the man that was park warden at that time about what pitches were available and my wife and I decided this would be a good time to upgrade to a newer caravan."
However, the Howie's claim they were told there would be no new caravans coming onto site and they were informed that all caravans over 15 years of age would not be getting their pitches renewed.
Mr Howie continued: "We asked if this meant we would be moving our pitch only to be told next year we would be asked to leave? The warden's reply was 'that's what Mr Barrett has not long since informed me'.
"We decided that all the upheaval was too much and enough was enough."
Deeply saddened by the disruption and unhappy atmosphere at the caravan site, another couple,Mr and Mrs Lawrie, have also decided to pack their bags and leave.
In an emotional statement to the Herald they said: "My wife and I have decided to remove our caravan from Braidhaugh Park after five years total, but two and a half years under the present owner Largo Leisure. Despite assurance no one would be put off and there would only be natural wastage, we have found that this is not the case.
"The treatment does not make for happy caravaning. It is with deep regret we have to leave behind the town of Crieff and happy memories."
This week, local MP Gordon Banks spoke with caravan owners and visited the site. He said: "A number of concerns were expressed which I fully intend to investigate on behalf of those using the site. I will be writing to the site owners asking for clarification on a number of points.
"It is disappointing a number of caravan owners are leaving the site as a result of pressure from the owners.
"These people bring a great deal of value to Crieff and wider Perthshire."
Unfortunately Largo Leisure owner Mr Barrett was unavailable to speak to the Herald before it went to press.
However, last week he stated the company were "trying to accommodate people" while the upgrading work at the holiday park took place.
He said: "I believe we are sympathetic developers trying to move the park on to a new age."