National award for Emily

AN Angus teenager has been given a national award for her charitable work i n the community and abroad.

Emily Lindley, 14, a pupil at Webster’s High School in Kirriemuir, was presented with the British Citizen Youth Award at a ceremony at the Palace of Westminster in recognition of her “outstanding” efforts.

The Glamis youngster has raised thousands of pounds for a struggling orphanage in Kenya.

She has also worked with a l ocal residential care home for 18 months along with her family pet dog Spencer, improving the quality of life for residents.

The third-year pupil was presented with the award by Ashley Banjo, creative director, choreographer and lead dancer of Diversity, and James Cathcar t, Youth Voice campaigner.

Emily’s mum Fiona said: “It was great that Emily was recognised for her positive contribution to her chosen cause which she has been supporting for nearly five years.”

The amount of salt in place to cover the city’s streets in the event of snow and ice has been cut following two years of mild winters.

At a meeting of the city development committee tonight, members will be asked to agree to the reduction in supplies at Marchbanks Depot.

The winter maintenance policy report before councillors states that the salt level has been set at 8,200 tonnes — reduced from 10,000 tonnes in a bid to cut costs.

It reads: “The Dundee salt holding at the commencement of winter has been set at 8,200 tonnes as per the ‘ Changing for the Future’ review revenue savings that were identified for 2016/17, which reduced the salt holding down from 10,000 tonnes.”

City development convener Lynne Short said: “The council needs to be aware of where money is being spent, so it’s probably better to buy in smaller amounts.

“We’ve got places where we can get more salt very quickly if needed — there are lots of back-up plans.”

Dougie McKay, of Tayside Contracts, is in charge of the workers who ensure the roads are clear of ice and snow.

He said that preparations are already under way for the winter season.

He added that while the equipment used for gritting and ploughing the streets remains the same as last year, the team is prepared to deal with any eventuality.

Mr McKay said: “We just have to prepare year on year and anticipate.

DUNDEE City Council reduced its stockpile of salt for the coming winter in a bid to make savings.