'It's almost like selling the family silver' — more opposition to common good asset changes
A leading community figure has warned Angus Council against "selling off the family silver."
- By Graeme Strachan
- Published in the Courier : 23.08.11
- Published online : 23.08.11 @ 03.15pm
Arbroath Community Council chairwoman Patricia Miller joined the growing debate on the prospect of common good assets being plundered for the corporate council pot.
As part of a review of how the area's common good funds are administered, Arbroath Library and its valuable collections have emerged as a possible early target. The proposal is understood to be one of the outcomes of a review of Angus common good funds which the council launched in 2009.
Ms Miller said: "I am speaking as chair of Arbroath Community Council, but this is a personal view. I just don't think it's right that things like this could possibly happen — it's almost like selling the family silver."
The library was gifted to Arbroath in the late 1800s and has an asset value of almost £900,000, as well as bringing income to the fund from the council of £25,000 per annum. Arbroath councillor Bob Spink has taken issue with an official view that any property acquired for a statutory purpose should belong to the general fund.
Ms Miller said she is supporting him all the way.
"I very much back Councillor Spink in his comments on the library possibly being transferred from common good to a general fund. I worry that this is perhaps only the start in taking common good funding and putting it into a bigger pot.
"I know we can't say for definite because we don't know what is being intended but years ago when people gave money to Arbroath and the common good they wanted that money to be used and the assets to be used for the good of all of Arbroath and I firmly believe for all time," she added.
"It's my personal view and I am supporting Councillor Spink in trying to nip this in the bud. Hopefully people in Arbroath will support Councillor Spink in his endeavours."
Council officials have yet to comment on the common good review and any plans to bring forward such proposals.
In 2007 a controversial plan to sell off part of the redundant bowling green at the Reid Park in Forfar to make way for housing was eventually abandoned after a public outcry.
A 1200-signature petition was lodged against the proposal to dispose of the common good land.
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