Latest news with #GraemeDailly
The Courier
22-05-2025
- The Courier
Unpopular Balmuir Wood a ‘concern' in tackling unauthorised Angus Traveller camps
The unpopularity of Balmuir Woods Travellers' site remains a 'concern' for Angus Council in tackling unauthorised encampments in the area. The Tealing facility sits within Angus, but is managed under a longstanding agreement by Dundee City Council. We recently revealed how the site beside the A90 had been barely occupied since 2019. It was empty for 17 months out of 72. That was despite more than £300,000 being spent on the 14-pitch site. And this month Dundee councillors agreed to spend a further £230,000 on upgrades. Balmuir was highlighted as Angus communities committee members agreed minor amendments to the authority's policy for the management of unauthorised Gypsy/Traveller camps. In 2024/25, there were 11 across Angus. Some were only for a few days, but the longest was in place for 12 weeks. Infrastructure director Graeme Dailly told this week's meeting: 'The most common stopping places are Montrose, Brechin and Edzell. 'Though in recent years, a number of encampments have stopped in Forfar.' He also revealed the traditional April to September travelling season now extends from January to November. Angus has an official Travellers' site at Montrose, but it is permanently full. Community enforcement team leader Isla Davidson said Travellers were not keen on Balmuir. 'It's not a particularly popular site,' she said. 'We've struggled in the past in encouraging encampments to go there. 'That and the fact it can be populated by tenants from the Dundee area as well. 'The idea there isn't a provision we can point people towards in Angus is a concern.' The official also said Angus is awaiting the results of a pilot programme around negotiated stopping places for Travellers. Perth and Kinross is one of three Scottish councils involved in the Scottish Government scheme. It aims to allow Travellers to negotiate with local authorities for safe, limited-time stopping places on suitable land, while adhering to codes of conduct and accessing necessary services. Councillors were told there are no plans for any sites in the scheme at this stage. Angus and Dundee have already seen Traveller camps cause disruption this summer. One in Camperdown Park led to the city's parkrun being cancelled earlier this month.
The Courier
10-05-2025
- General
- The Courier
Monifieth Raac repair consultation to begin within days
Monifieth residents living with Raac are to be contacted within days in the first step towards ridding their homes of the dangerous material. It comes after councillors unanimously agreed a plan to remove reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (Raac) from 25 council houses in Milton Street. New flat roofs will be installed. The move was welcomed as a positive step for residents who discovered in 2023 their homes were affected. The Milton Street houses, built in the 1960s, were the only ones found to contain Raac after a survey of the council's 7,700 rented homes. However, housing chiefs have been unable to give council tenants a timeline for when they can expect their Raac nightmare to end. And questions remain around how the council repair scheme will work alongside nearly 50 privately-owned homes in the street. Council infrastructure director Graeme Dailly promised councillors the consultation will be carried out as quickly as possible. 'We want to do a comprehensive engagement, rather than meet a specific deadline,' he said. 'But what I can do is give an assurance it is very much people-focused; we realise the expectations here.' He added: 'We are looking to put a further letter out to the affected homes next week.' It will go to both council tenants and private owners. 'As we move forward, timescales might become clearer,' added Mr Dailly. 'We aim to keep local members, our housing committee and affected homeowners updated.' Monifieth and Sidlaw councillor Lloyd Melville said: 'Complete removal of the Raac is not only necessary for the future stability of the buildings, but for the peace of mind of all of the residents in the area. '(They have) faced such a traumatic and anxious period since the discovery of Raac some time ago. 'We've heard there is a real willingness to work with all of the residents. 'That will be done on an individual basis and that is really welcome because there is no one-size-fits-all approach.' He added: 'No two houses have the exact same circumstances. 'I think every one of us wants to see an approach that preserves the community of Milton Street. 'Let me pay tribute to those residents and their remarkable fortitude. People who have had to live with this terrible worry for a very long time.' The potential cost of the council house roof replacements was considered in private for reasons of commercial confidentiality. However, the options report recommending the flat roof solution was brought into the public domain after a residents' backlash. The Courier's Trapped by Raac campaign aims to help those affected by the crisis and have the issue debated by government. We're asking readers to sign this petition to give them a voice and get the issue to parliament.
