The campaign group who protested proposed boundary changes in Broughty Ferry have spoken of their “relief” after it was announced the ward would not be split.
The Scottish Government announced on Thursday they would not be implementing the controversial Boundary Commission for Scotland proposal to halve the ward.
Neil Cooney, of the Broughty Ferry Community Council, said the “groundswell” of support the community group had received from Ferry locals showed just how passionate people opposed the proposals.
He said: “We at the Broughty Ferry Community Council feel a sense of relief after the decision not to implement the boundary changes were made.
“The groundswell of support we have had during the process shows just how important an issue this was to the people of Broughty Ferry.
“The community council did everything it could to persuade the Scottish Government not to split up the Broughty Ferry ward.
“We are very happy that the status quo is to be maintained.
“This case has shown the importance community councils can have, and that they can help influence big decisions.
“All of the meetings which were carried out and the consultations which were conducted helps show what a community council can do.”
The proposal to split the Ferry ward sparked public outcry in the town, with more than 300 people attending a public meeting and over 1,000 people objecting to the plan by letter.
Neil continued: “Feelings ran high throughout the community during the decision process, and the community council was able to present its case well.
“I would encourage more people to become involved with their community council.
“There was surge of members at the Broughty Ferry council- myself included- and the decision not to split the ward shows how effective they can be.
“The community council has the potential to instigate action across the community over a range of issues.
“It has been reassuring to know that the consultation period has been effective.”
The Boundary Commission for Scotland had proposed splitting the Broughty Ferry ward in two, with West Ferry becoming part of the East End, and increasing the number of councillors in Dundee by two.
Minister for parliamentary business, Joe FitzPatrick MSP for Dundee City West, announced the Scottish Government was to reject the proposal.
Mr FitzPatrick was called “Gerrymandering Joe” for rejecting the proposals for changes in his own city, by Scottish Conservative MSP Graham Simpson.
The Scottish Government implemented boundary changes to 25 local authorities and rejected proposals for five, including Dundee.
Mr FitzPatrick said he did not implement the recommendations because of the strength of public feeling.
