The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Monifieth locals urged to make voices heard
History group leader says town’s future is in residents’ hands
The president of Monifieth Local History Society has warned of the “dire circumstances” facing the town’s residents.
Margaret Copland, whose group runs the Monifieth House Of Memories, said residents need to “wake up to what is really happening to their chosen home town” by making Angus Council listen to their needs.
She said: “Make your voice heard. “The past cannot be changed. The future is in the hands of the Monifieth community.”
She said Monifieth is becoming known as the “town that has nothing and gets nothing” because it is not an area of deprivation. She said: “As local historians we are interested in the past and research reveals a vibrant community, which has evolved over thousands of year, is now due to the worship of finance, slowly being suffocated.
“Housing developments raise finance for Angus Council, to be spent on providing public services to the residents in the areas of their responsibility.
“Unlike other Angus townships, Monifieth is deprived of many of those services and facilities provided for others. Where is equality for all?
“Plans for the future of Monifieth 30 years on are being discussed at great length. The dire situation currently
“Unlike other Angus townships, Monifieth is deprived of many of those services and facilities provided for others. Where is equality for all? MARGARET COPLAND
facing the Monifieth community and addressing the problems should be top of Angus Council’s agenda.”
She said her comments were prompted by the “devastating and distressing” rejection of lottery funding to transform a former Monifieth school building into a community hub.
The Monifieth Community Resource Group wanted to create a multi-purpose centre at Invertay House which is surplus to Angus Council requirements.
A community asset transfer from Angus Council was dependent on a £1 million bid for Big Lottery funding which was turned down because the town was “not an area of high social deprivation”.
Margaret said: “Obviously identified as an affluent area, by others, including Angus Council, who when they meet for discussion, behind closed doors, might consider a change of name to be recognised as ‘Moneythief’.
“What are the plans for economic development and High Street regeneration? There already are vacant high street retail properties, with planning applications being considered for three more outlets.
“Many Monifieth groups are finding it increasingly difficult locating appropriate accommodation to meet. Monifieth Local History Society having faced similar problems in the past came up with a solution, which due to success, they now wish to expand.”
Negotiations are ongoing with Angus Council to lease vacant premises to allow the society to progress its plans for a Monifieth Heritage Centre.
A council spokesman said: “We have a positive relationship with the group and will continue to support them in the plans they have for the community.”
gstrachan@thecourier.co.uk