Madam, – I have followed reports regarding Angus Council’s decision to demolish the former Forfar Leisure Centre with interest, and fail to understand the mindset of those councillors who voted 13-8 in favour of demolition at an estimated cost of half a million pounds, to return less than a couple of acres of land to the Common Good Fund of the people of Forfar.
The former leisure centre is already surrounded by more than enough common good land as part of Forfar Loch Country Park.
Reportedly a local businessman is interested in purchasing the building, with mention of a new venture including a cinema and/or a trampoline park.
Surely the majority of Forfar folk would welcome such facilities?
Councillor Fairweather says it is costing the council around £1,000 per week to maintain the building and states his fear that no offer will be received or a sale may not go through.
Surely it would be a fairly straightforward and relatively inexpensive exercise for the council to market the building, even for a short period, with a view to establishing what, if any, interest exists?
Or perhaps the council feel Mr Stewart’s offer, reported to be £30,000, is verging on the cheeky side?
However, in addition to the sale price, the council would be saving the substantial sum of money earmarked to cover the demolition.
Surely, also, the costs they have already incurred in maintaining the building to date would be more than offset by the income they would receive from the payment of business rates from the proposed new ventures?
I would remind the members of Angus Council that it is their responsibility to look after the interests of the whole of the county.
The electorate might think half a million pounds could be better spent elsewhere – for example. In restoring the services previously enjoyed at most of our recycling centres, or in ensuring that our roads are maintained at an acceptable level.
Perhaps Angus Council is bucking the trend among local authorities and has money to burn?
If so, there would be no need to increase the council tax for 2019/20.
Steve Linnen.
Ramsay Street,
Monifieth.
The long wait for Salmond’s trial
Madam, – On Wednesday’s BBC Scotland News, Brian Taylor, reporting on the one and only meeting of the Salmondgate inquiry until his trial is over, was careful to remind us that inquiry chairman and former close Salmond colleague, Linda Fabiani was once fired by him.
This carried the implication she therefore can’t be accused of cronyism and partiality.
The criminal trial won’t start for at least one, and possibly even two, years.
With a bit of luck Nicola Sturgeon can avoid the outcomes of both investigations being known and in the public domain until after the 2021 Holyrood elections.
That would be eight years and eight elections and referendum since the first complaints against Salmond were made in 2013.
So that’s OK then.
Allan Sutherland.
Willow Row,
Stonehaven.
Shameful P&K council cuts
Madam, – I write having read about Perth and Kinross Council’s proposed cuts to local services such as recycling centres, stopping swimming lessons and, worst of all, further increasing fees for instrumental tuition.
I express my total revulsion at these ludicrous proposals.
Firstly, the council encourages everyone to recycle; closing recycling centres will increase the risk of fly-tipping, or people putting recyclable material with non-recyclable stuff in their green bin.
Secondly, we are told that learning to swim will keep people fit, and may well save lives; removing swimming instructors will endanger learners’ lives, if they are left in the water unsupervised.
Lastly, to impose further financial pressure on parents already paying 20% more than last school session for instrumental tuition is nothing short of criminal.
I can envisage real anger being stirred up, and a drop in the number of children taking up an instrument.
I would remind our councillors that instrumental tuition is the right of every child, not just a few, and helps their development as people.
Alister Y Allan.
18 Castle View,
Letham, Perth.
This young girl needs help
Madam, – I was wondering what the reaction would be if a 14 or 15-year-old white girl was groomed online by a paedophile, ran away and lived with him for four years, had three children, two of who died through lack of medical care, was rescued and interviewed by the media, said she loved the guy and was not sorry how things had turned out.
Would we all say serves her right? Or would we see her as a victim?
The law would see her as a victim.
The government is totally wrong in stripping the British citizenship from Shamima Begum, and pandering to the mob hysteria stirred up by elements of the media, in their reaction in the case of the young girl and her baby in Syria.
She needs medical and mental health help, not to be cast adrift stateless.
This lassie needs help, giving her a helping hand will not change the world, but it could change the world for her and her bairn.
Judging her based on an edited interview with a TV reporter is not right and not a very edifying way to prove that we are a supposed civilised society.
Dave Stewart.
5 Main Street,
Luthermuir.
Party is a rather peculiar bunch
Madam, – The Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party seem a rather peculiar bunch, complaining about delays to the recently opened Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route (AWPR).
Similar proposals have been on the go since 1952.
Which transport secretary actually brought forward concrete plans to build it in 2005?
I think you will find he was not a member of the Conservative and Unionist Party.
They also complain about the proposed workplace parking charges which local authorities have no need to implement but, unlike the Scottish Liberal Democrats, actually voted with both Scottish Labour and the SNP to try to reduce Air Passenger Duty.
They like to suggest that those who voted for Scottish independence have a place in the future development of the union and yet are the only unionist party who do not allow such people to be members of their party.
Not that most would want to, but actions speak louder than words.
Peter Ovenstone.
6 Orchard Grove,
Peterhead.