Gordon Banks responds to proposed sale of Council buildings at Kinross High School and Crieff Library

April 14 2008

Ochil & South Perthshire has spoken out today about proposed sales of two Council sites in his constituency – Kinross High School and Crieff Library.  The proposals are due to be discussed on Wednesday at Perth and Kinross Council’s Strategic Policy and Resources Committee.

Speaking about the proposed sale of Crieff Library, Mr Banks said -

“It is important that the Council are able to maximise all forms of capital available to them but this cannot be done at the expense of service.”

“There is still a possibility that the site maybe retained but if not it is vital to keep the services in the heart of Crieff.”

On the issue of Kinross High School, Mr Banks said-

“Kinross is a growing town but has virtually no community facilities.  We now have an opportunity here for the Council to develop a new community facility.”

“The people of Kinross cannot be forgotten when decisions are being made over the sites future.  It should not just be a case of a sale to the highest bidder and I hope that the Council will be liaising closely with the Community Council in discussions over the sites future.”

“Even if part of the site were to be made available for a community facility and the rest used for affordable housing then that would be something which I believe would be beneficial to the people of Kinross.”

“Plans for a supermarket or any other commercial enterprise must be discussed first with the local community before proceeding.”