Labour accused of ignoring council’s investment

RESPONDING to Mr Marra’s comments, Councillor Alan Ross, a member of the administration who also represents the Menzieshill area, insisted the school decision was made for “sound educational reasons”.

He accused the Labour group of “completely ignoring the ongoing investment” in the area, such as the new £13 million Tayview Primary School, and the commitment to build a new community centre.

Mr Ross continued: “Councillor Marra wishes to see a real discussion in the area — I have no problem with that and neither does the administration.

“That’s why we recently embarked on the Engage Dundee project. This is a tool used to evaluate the priorities of all local communities across Dundee and the findings from it will directly inform the key priorities in local community plans.

“This is a public document that is easily accessible online. It’s beyond me why any local councillor in the city is unaware of its existence and I would politely suggest that Councillor Marra familiarises himself with it in order to get up to speed.

“Also, since the decision was taken to build the new primary school and community centre we established a project board comprising all stakeholders including the head teachers of the two former schools and nursery but also with pupils whose input has been invaluable and enthusiastic. The management board of the community centre has also been represented on that board and therefore kept up to date with developments.

“Further to this, we established a communication sub group, which I have attended. Through this group we have produced a newsletter, which was circulated via the community centre and by way of a school bag drop with all pupils in the area.”

Mr Ross conceded that the council had little influence over the pubs issue, but said millions of pounds were due to be invested in the area where the old Rock Pub sits.