Brechin is at risk of becoming a burgh of ghost buildings, it has been claimed.
The fear has emerged as part of an ongoing community consultation in which residents have highlighted worries over the number of already derelict prominent properties in the town and concerns the list will grow upon completion of the new multi-million pound community campus.
As organisers of the Brechin 2020 Vision showcase prepare for the final two evening consultation sessions on Wednesday and Thursday, it has been revealed that a special public meeting has been set up to give residents the opportunity to air their views on what may be done with the empty buildings.
Brechin Community Council has been running for showcase display in the former registrars’ office and said a number of themes had emerged so far.
Despite programmes such as the Townscape Heritage Initiative, they include a feeling the town is in a state of limbo and requiring further public and private investment.
Serious concerns about the high number of empty buildings have been raised by many visiting the exhibition over the last few weeks, said the group.
Angus Council has come under fire over the lack of consultation about closures and the fact that there is no major council department located in Brechin.
Community councillor Derek Harper said: “One of the main issues raised was the increasing number of empty buildings in the city Maisondieu and St Columba’s churches, the old Andover School, the former Flicks building, St Drostans, the Dalhousie bar and the old courthouse to mention a few.
“That number could rise once the new community campus is built as it has already been indicated that the existing services at the leisure centre and the Damacre centre will be provided at the campus and these buildings are likely to be declared surplus to requirements.
“This list doesn’t take into account any mention of the future of the City Hall which still remains unclear.
Community council convener Grahame Lockhart said: “With that in mind we have arranged an open meeting on November 11 at the Parish Council Chambers at 7.15pm, to ask the community to share their thoughts on what can be done with these empty buildings.
“We particularly encourage all who currently use the sports and learning centres that may be affected by the new campus to come along and air their views and concerns.”
An Angus Council spokesperson said: “We’re pleased that Brechin Community Council is making progress in their consultations with the community at large as this is within the remit of what we’ve asked them to achieve. We would also like to congratulate Brechin Community Council for its work in this consultation and in its work to help Brechin create its vision of its future.
“We hope that these consultations gather a sufficient and wide range of views to provide a basis for an informed discussion about the future of Brechin and that this in turn leads to a vision of Brechin that a wide range of groups and agencies can work towards.”