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Dundee councillors vote to block controversial boundary changes

Victoria Road would be the new dividing line if Broughty Ferry was split.
Victoria Road would be the new dividing line if Broughty Ferry was split.

Councillors have voted unanimously to reject recommendations to increase the number of councillors and change the Broughty Ferry ward boundary.

The Local Government Boundary Commission for Scotland has recommended the Broughty Ferry ward should be split in two and two new councillors should be elected.

The wards of Coldside, Maryfield and East End would also be affected by the proposed changes.

Dundee councillors are concerned the added cost of electing two new councillors at a time of increased budget austerity is neither justifiable nor affordable.

The decision of what is to happen will now be made by the Scottish Government and the city council will write to Kevin Stewart MSP, the newly appointed local government minister, advising him of their objections.

In an emergency motion that was tabled last night, council leader Ken Guild proposed “the city council should advise the Scottish Government that it does not wish any changes to be made to the current number of elected members on Dundee City Council or the current ward boundaries”.

Councillor Derek Scott, the only council representative to have opposed the recommendations from the beginning, said it was “very disappointing” the Boundary Commission had chosen to “ignore” the concerns of more than 1,000 city residents.

Councillor Scott seconded Mr Guild’s motion, which was then unanimously and promptly agreed upon.

Addressing the council, Labour councillor Laurie Bidwell said: “As a Ferry ward councillor, a significant number of constituents are aggrieved that their representations, like those of the council, have been brushed aside.

“The decision is now with ministers in the Scottish Government and by law they are able to adopt, reject or amend the recommendations, as well as instruct the commission to undertake a local inquiry.

“The huge numbers of objections from residents in the Ferry ward, and in particular the West Ferry sector, demonstrates how important community identity in Broughty Ferry is.”

In March, the city council reversed its position on boundary changes and supported the stance that had initially been solely held by Mr Scott.