The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Angus Council’s neglect of iconic buildings
Sir, – The ploy by Angus Council to condemn iconic buildings by neglect, lack of maintenance or a lack of imagination in their use, leading to the rush either to demolish, as per Brechin’s iconic Damacre building last month, or by selling our assets at giveaway prices is no accident. It seems to be policy.
The incompetence over the decision to spend almost half a million pounds upgrading a homeless unit in Montrose, which was never used, is staggering, (“Angus Council accused of wasting thousands on former homeless unit in Montrose”, The Courier, August 10 2017).
No one was taken to task over that or the sale of Monifieth School and grounds to a preferred bidder, whatever that means, for a fraction of its worth.
In the past 20 odd years Montrose’s iconic and historic buildings have been gutted by Angus Council, aided and abetted by supine Montrose councillors who roll over every time they are instructed to rubber stamp another decision they had little or no part in making.
The report in The Courier about the selling of the Traill Pavilion (“Council pulls the plug on unused Traill Pavilion in Montrose”, The Courier, February 1) a cherished listed building burned into the memory of most Montrose folk, must be the last straw.
Cllr Ron Sturrock is quoted as saying “it’s a building of its time that no longer fits in to the modern era”. Doh – that’s why it’s a listed building.
Cllr Bill Duff’ patronisingly remarked that “the sale would be unpopular with some of the locals”.
He went on to say that the building was not put to good use but has never questioned why, simply giving that as a reason for selling the building.
His last suggestion was it’s time for the council to “cut and run” from the pavilion.
I looked up the literal meaning of the term “cut and run”. It means to make a speedy departure from a difficult situation rather than deal with it. Spot on. Robert Alexander. 39 Barry Road, Carnoustie.