Windfall for community centre

A SIX-figure boost has been given to a local community centre.

Douglas Community Centre Local Management Group secured a total of £108,540 in National Lottery funding after applying to Big Lottery Fund Scotland.

The cash will be used to refurbish the cafe, creating a flexible space i n which to host local events, community cafes and local interest groups.

The project will benefit more than 500 people in Douglas, while also providing volunteering opportunities for 50 people.

Dundee East MP Stewart Hosie said he would be writing to the management team to congratulate them on their success and to offer his continued support.

He added: “This ambitious refurbishment will significantly improve the c o m m u n i t y c e n t r e ’s already fantastic, and widely used, facilities.

“I visit Douglas Community Centre regularly.

‘‘I look forward to going back when the refurbishments are complete.”

Scores of officers descended on the Balcony Bar in Ward Road just before 1am after reports of fighting in the street.

Video footage shows at least four police cars and three vans, with claims that officers with dogs were also seen outside the venue.

Police say two men were arrested for alleged assault after the disturbance.

Three other people were arrested in connection with alleged disorderrelated offences.

A spokesman for Police Scotland said: “We were called to attend after reports of a fight at the Balcony Bar. “The call came in to us at 12.45am. “Units attended and the situation was brought under control.

“Two men were arrested for alleged assault and three other people were arrested in connection with disorderrelated offences.”

The Tele attempted to contact the Balcony Bar for comment but no one from the venue could be reached at the time of going to press.

The pub is a popular venue in the city centre, claiming to be “Dundee’s only £2 bar”.

It hosts several events throughout the year, including DJ sets for the Dundee Dance Event.

It is also well known for hosting regular karaoke nights.

In 2014, the pub closed, citing a lack of customers.

However, it later re-opened and has since remained a popular nightspot for people in the city.

A resident of nearby Nicoll Street, who wished to remain anonymous, said he was unaware of the extent of the incident but was surprised at the number of police officers on the scene.

FIVE people have been arrested after a mass brawl outside a city centre pub.