| Speaking in the wake of a key meeting of the council’s policy and resources committee last night, where councillors made a unanimous decision to oppose plans to downgrade the station, Perth & Kinross councillor Ken Lyall attacked his fellow-party members and said, “It didn’t surprise me particularly, because Dundee City Council is embroiled in political point-scoring.
“It happened in Perth in 1999 with everyone trying to outdo each other. The council in Dundee has been in a state for a year because of the change in administration. They are not serving the people of Dundee while they are at each other’s throats.”
Mr Lyall was at last night’s meeting along with Tayside Fire and Rescue Chief Fire Officer Stephen Hunter after a last-minute plea to have their deputation heard.
The council also heard presentations by the Fire Brigade Union Scotland’s regional organiser Jim Malone and Balmossie branch secretary Neil Ritch. Mr Malone was today clearly delighted by the council’s support and warned that Mr Lyall should seriously consider his position as convener.
He said, “It was a really excellent meeting. It’s great for the people of Dundee to see their elected members are listening to what they have said and the hundreds who have responded to petitions to retain full-time night cover at Balmossie. It shows the FBU has done great work with the council.”
He added, “Councillor Lyall is a strange political animal. He comes from Highland Perthshire and was appointed convener, not elected. He has consistently supported everything the chief fire officer has presented him with. He has ignored the wishes of the FBU.
“If there was someone feeling the political heat, it would be councillor Lyall.”
He added, “His thoughts are out of kilter with councillors in Angus, Dundee and Perth and it shows a hollow leadership. In questioning the democratic process, he would be better off looking at his own behaviour in the past year.”
Mr Lyall defended his position and said any attack on his personal position was a “cheap shot”.
He said, “I’m fortunate to be chair of the Tayside Fire and Rescue service. I’m 32 miles from my nearest full-time station and it’s irrelevant that I live in Aberfeldy.
“I would much rather have a full-time service close to me, but I think it’s just a cheap shot for anyone from Broughty Ferry or Monifieth to bring into question where I live.”
Councillor Laurie Bidwell today threw out any suggestion from Mr Lyall that councillors voted to support the FBU Balmossie campaign merely as a point of political pragmatism.
He said, “Stephen Hunter was apparently unable to convince any Dundee councillors it was a good idea to downgrade Balmossie and thereby reduce from eight to seven the number of fire crews and fire engines based in the city and that somehow this cut would enhance community safety.
“Just as I predicted, it is inconceivable any city councillor should support a reduction in this vital emergency service. I am pleased there was cross-party support to indicate emphatically that Dundee City Council does not support the downgrading of Balmossie.
“I think the change of heart of some councillors was undoubtedly because of the mounting evidence of significant public opposition — the more than 3000 people who have registered objections.”
The question over Balmossie is still in a consultation process and a decision will be made towards the end of March. |
