The provost of Angus has launched a blistering attack against critics of Arbroath Seafront Spectacular as an online war continues to rage over the event.
The shine was taken off the July 23 Victoria Park spectacular when people complained about the £5 entry charge.
The row escalated into cyberspace with a Facebook page called Against Arbroath Seafront Spectacular which generated a number of comments, but drew criticism from people who said their messages supporting the running of the event had been removed.
In response, another page called Support The Arbroath Seafront Spectacular was set up.
The tit-for-tat has enraged Angus provost Ruth Leslie Melville, who labelled criticism of the small organising committee “shameful.”
She said those attacking the Seafront team should work with, rather than against, the committee, for the good of the town and Angus.’Beggars belief’Mrs Leslie Melville said, “It beggars belief that people could denigrate the hard work done by four individuals to bring something spectacular and exceptional into the town, when they themselves don’t get off their bottoms and do anything to help.
“What I would like to know is where those people are and where they will come from.
“Arbroath is no different from any other burgh in Scotland it always comes down to a handful of people who are prepared to roll up their sleeves and get on with the really hard work of putting together events in the community.”
She added, “These people who are making such damaging criticisms should either keep quiet or offer their help.
“I hope that they will draw a line under the whole thing and give the committee their support for this wonderful event.”