A St Andrews councillor has defended his decision to organise a leaflet drop, promoting what he believes are the benefits of developing a new Madras College for a site at Pipeland.
The Courier has learned that several anti-Pipeland campaigners have questioned Labour councillor Brian Thomson on whether it was “appropriate” for him to be putting out leaflets promoting Fife Council Labour administration’s favoured site, when a public consultation was still ongoing.
In particular, they wanted to know whether the taxpayer was paying for the leaflet through Fife Council, or whether it was being privately funded by the Labour party.
Contacted by The Courier about the glossy leaflet, Mr Thomson said he thought it was “entirely appropriate” for him to distribute a card that highlights the benefits of developing a new Madras College at Pipeland and that encourages people to participate in the ongoing educational consultation.
He added: “We live in a democracy and, as a local St Andrews councillor, I am fully entitled to distribute such a card.
“I have always made it clear that my preference is for a new-build Madras College, and those who elected me, expect me to represent their views and not just sit on the fence.
“With regard to who paid for the printing and distribution of the card, I am somewhat taken aback that it’s even been suggested that I would spend taxpayers’ money on this, but I can assure those who have raised the matter that the printing of the cards has been paid for by myself.
“Furthermore, all of the cards were delivered by local volunteers, of all political persuasions.
“Indeed, the response to help with that task was so great that I had to politely refuse help from some people, and it is a measure of the level of support for Pipeland that so many people wanted to be involved.”