Angus facilities at risk of closure if solution cannot be found

The scathing comments came as ANGUSalive looks to offload four facilities to save £1.5m. If the council does not take them on at its own expense, or find someone else to run them, they will be forced to close.

The four buildings at risk are:-

Gateway to the Glens Museum which displays the history of Kirriemuir and the Angus Glens.

Brechin Townhouse Museum which shows a variety of local history exhibitions.

Inglis Memorial Hall, Edzell, which hosts local small sporting events and community events for local residents.

Arbroath Community Centre, most recently used as a vaccine centre.

During a recent policy and resources committee meeting, councillors agreed to begin feasibility studies for each building, led by community groups.

But councillors were hopeful for the outcome of the studies, set to take place over the remainder of the year, insisting that they will ensure the best possible solution for everyone. Members were critical of ANGUSalive’s performance, with suggestions the centres would be better run by community groups.

SNP Councillor Kenny Braes said with help from community groups, “these communities will probably find that they have a better facility and a better service than ANGUSAlive can ever provide for them.”

Scottish Conservative Councillor Ross Greig was also critical of Angusalive.

He said: “Some of these facilities may end up being better being run by a community group, so I think that goes to show the level of enthusiasm many councillors have for ANGUSalive – not being very high.”

The council has insisted that it is not looking to simply offload these services to communities but will also offer any support needed.

Council Leader Beth Whiteside said: “It goes without saying that we are going to offering the community groups as much support as we possibly can.”

ANGUSalive did not respond when approached for comment.