Angus Council’s leader and his ousted predecessor have put up a wall of silence amid growing concern over the potential Tay Cities Deal outcome for the area.
With fears escalating the county may be short-changed in the hoped-for £400 million investment bonanza, it has emerged that ex-supremo Bob Myles continues to represent Angus at the Tay Cities table – almost six months on from his controversial and “brutal’ removal in a ruling rainbow coalition coup.
Both Dundee and Perth and Kinross Councils have their respective leaders on the important body and current leader David Fairweather’s decision not to step into the role has been criticised as sending out an “odd” message from the rural partner which “devalues” the deal.
Progress on Angus elements of the deal has also been said to be “shrouded in mystery from the start”.
A combined total of £400 million is expected from Scotland’s two governments to invest in a wide range of projects, but there have been recent worries over a reduced UK Government input, triggered by a recent admission Westminster may struggle to meet its half-share commitment.
The latest developments have raised fresh questions over how Angus Council has handled its part in the process so far, concerns about lack of communication to elected members, and the personnel involved in the discussions.
Angus SNP group deputy leader, Bill Duff said: “There are a number of important projects in Angus that are part of the Tay Cities Deal, including the A90 link road at Montrose, the Montrose Port railhead, an engineering centre in Arbroath, proposed housing at the Royal Marines base at Condor, as well as investment in the Hospitalfield arts centre in Arbroath.
“The fact is that councillors have had absolutely no information on the progress of the deal.
“It has been shrouded in mystery from the start, and no-one seems to know what is going on, despite its importance to the Angus economy.”
Montrose councillor Mr Duff added: “Both Dundee and Perth councils have their council leaders round the table, but not Angus.
“I think that this devalues the Tay City Deal, and sends out a very odd message overall.
“Councillor Myles remains at the table for Angus Council, and although he was leader of the council, he no longer is.
“This role needs someone with power and clout and that is not Bob Myles – Councillor Fairweather as council leader needs to step up to the plate here.”
Mr Myles did not respond on the issue and Mr Fairweather declined to comment.
A spokesperson for Angus Council said: “The current administration decided that Councillor Bob Myles should remain on the board of Tay Cities Deal to retain continuity for the present.
“It should be noted that in addition to Councillor Myles, the current Deputy Leader, Councillor Angus Macmillan-Douglas also attends the board meetings.”
The Tay Cities situation has also come at a time when concerns have been raised that Mr Myles continues to sit as a council representative on the board of Carnoustie Golf Links, a role he previously argued should be the preserve of the authority leader in recognition of the importance of the Open Championship-hosting venue to the district.
