ARBROATH Councillor Bob Spink has spoken of his “disappointment” at the decision to allow the town’s Seaton Caravan Park to effectively become a full-time residential estate.

The owners were allowed to operate year-round after a sheriff at Arbroath upheld their appeal against Angus Council’s refusal to grant the necessary licence.

Crown Parks, run by Cresswell Welch and Bill Green, will be allowed to market the site for 325 static residential caravans and 75 touring caravans for 12 months of the year, with a further 125 static holiday homes available from the start of March to the end of October each year.

“I am disappointed but not at all surprised at the decision reached by the sheriff in the Crown Parks v Angus Council case,” said Mr Spink.

“I am disappointed because, while of course I respect and accept the sheriff’s decision, and some of his comments were kind to me, I still do not agree with it, mostly not for what was said in court but what was not said.

“I am not surprised at the decision, for the case put by Angus Council’s law and administration department in defence of the civic licensing committee’s position was weak and resigned, giving entirely the wrong impression from the start, possibly because it was against the recommendation of the officers of the council and that is worrying.

“The case for Crown Parks in court was supported very professionally by three consultants, experts in their various fields.

“In the circumstances, while I did my best, we had no real chance.”