Administration figures on collision course with officials

North East MSP Bill Bowman has stepped in to the controversy over Angus skip sites by calling for a rethink on the overhaul plans.

Ahead of what is expected to be a heated full council meeting in Forfar later today, Conservative MSP Mr Bowman said he believed a way has to be found to retain facilities in Monifieth and Kirriemuir.

“It is clear from the public outcry about the plans that these facilities are valued and important,” said Mr Bowman.

“I have spoken out previously about the large share of council tax that residents in Monifieth pay relative to other parts of the county.

“However, the services provided in return for that contribution are being cut.

“The view of local residents at recent public meetings has been heard loud and clear and I have been in close contact with our Scottish Conservative colleagues on Angus Council who have expressed their support for keeping the centres open.”

Strategic director Alan McKeown has recommended that the council should stick to the plan agreed in May 2016 which would see Monifieth closed and a merger of Forfar and Kirrie, and that looks certain to put senior administration councillors on a collision course with officials.

Craig Fotheringham, Angus Conservative group leader and Monifieth and Sidlaw councillor, said: “I have said all along, it is not acceptable for Monifieth’s recycling centre to close, and it’s time we found a way to keep our local centres open.

“The former SNP council’s plans to close the centres was short-sighted and wrong.

“Monifieth is bearing the brunt of cuts and my constituents deserve to be treated fairly.”

Forfar Tory councillor Braden Davy, who launched a petition against the proposed closures, said: “The proposed Forfar and Kirriemuir merger makes no sense.

“It would cost us money, and lead to a worse service. I was elected on a platform to protect local facilities and I will be working hard with my council, MSP and MP colleagues to ensure that is what happens”