A community campaign group has thrown its support behind Councillor Charlie Malone for turning down an invite to the V&A opening.
Save Our Lochee High Street (SOLHS) has thanked the Labour councillor for rejecting an invite to the opening of the museum on the grounds that people living in poverty may not see any economic benefits from the £80 million museum.
Mr Malone cited growing up in poverty, saying he has seen first hand that the poorest in society miss out.
A SOLHS spokeswoman said it was “great” to see that Mr Malone’s “ethics and morals haven’t changed”.
She said: “Millions has been spent on the new waterfront development, with little evidence that its success will bring an injection of employment and financial support into struggling communities and services in the rest of the city.
“That’s not to say we don’t like it, it’s stating a fact that money is catapulted into the waterfront while poverty related issues are being overlooked. The poorest are suffering as a consequence.
“There is no light at the end of our tunnel while this continues.”
However, a number of councillors have said Mr Malone is wrong not to be present at what has been described as “the biggest thing to happen in Dundee in decades”.
The Courier attempted to contact every other Dundee councillor to find out whether or not they intended to attend the opening. Most did not return messages.
SNP councillors John Alexander, Mark Flynn, Alan Ross and Lynne Short; Liberal Democrats Fraser Macpherson and Craig Duncan; Labour councillor Richard McReady and Conservatives Philip Scott, Derek Scott and Donald Hay have all confirmed they are planning to attend.
Lord Provost and independent councillor Ian Borthwick also confirmed he will be there.
Only SNP councillor Stewart Hunter said he would miss it due to “family commitments” and expressed his regret, saying Dundee is being spoken about in “glowing terms” thanks to the development.
Labour councillor for Maryfield Georgia Cruickshank said she has not decided yet and will be talking to her constituents about it.
Council leader John Alexander said: “This is a vitally important moment in the city’s regeneration.
“We know there are problems, we don’t shy away from them, but this is part of taking the city forward.
“Before it has even opened, the V&A effect has already helped improve the city’s position economically and reputation.
“The people of Dundee can make their own judgements and should.”
Mr Macpherson said: “I have a lot respect for Mr Malone and he does a lot of work for his constituents but I think he’s got this one wrong.
“I think it’s vital for everyone to get behind the V&A and hopefully it will bring jobs to the city. We are all committed to tackling poverty in the city.”
Ferry councillor Philip Scott said: “I think it’s important that every councillor gets behind the V&A. It is the biggest thing to happen in Dundee in decades and if it is a success there will be a lot of jobs created.
“I am looking forward to it opening and have been for a while now. I’m sure it will be amazing.”
The V&A Dundee opens on September 15.
