‘Use site to benefit youngsters’

A DRYBURGH community stalwart has called on the council to consider creating an outdoor space for youngsters deprived of local amenities.

Lochee United club secretary Larry Duncan said the f ormer Dryburgh Primary School site could be used for the benefit of the community.

Two years ago, residents said they wanted a new playpark to be built on the Napier Drive site but no plans were put forward.

The Dryburgh Resource Centre, which formerly housed the Connect 5 offsite education centre, was demolished in early 2018.

Mr Duncan said Dryburgh youngsters are disadvantaged compared to elsewhere in the city because of the lack of outdoor facilities.

He said: “Although I don’t live in Dryburgh, I am heavily involved with Lochee United, which is the heart of the area.

“Dryburgh used to have a swing park but now it has no green space.

“If kids want to find anything like that they have to venture over the Kingsway and take their lives in their hands or go over to Charleston.

“I feel we should do something with the school site as it could help improve the lives of adults and children.”

Dundee City Council officers had been considering selling the land for housing but Lochee Labour councillor Michael Marra asked for the issue to be discussed first.

He believes the local i n f r a st r u c t u r e w o u l d “struggle to cope” with a large scale housing development.

Councillors unanimously agreed to consider its future use and consult with the local community.

They will then report back to committee, with recommendations.