Flags set to fly as EVIS bid takes shape
EVIS's long-held ambitions to provide a focal-point at the northern entrance to Edzell which would rival the village arch at the south look set to reach fruition very soon.
Last year the Brechiner revealed that the local village improvement society had hopes of erecting three flag poles, cairns and planted areas on land just off the B966.
And those plans may soon become reality after an official planning application was submitted to the local authority last week.
The new eight-metre high poles would be erected to the immediate south of the first car park as you enter the village from Fettercairn.
Spaced six metres apart, the poles will be vandal proof with an internal cord and will be surrounded by a rockery and flower display, which it is hoped will provide an attractive focal point for those coming into Edzell. There will also be a memorial plaque commemorating the hard work of EVIS volunteers in the past.
The flags which will fly from the three poles have not been decided upon yet, with a public meeting planned for later this month to gauge public opinion.
However, there are still hopes that one of the flags will be designed by local youngsters - a long standing proposal that was first raised by EVIS members when they briefed Inveresk Community Council of the plans back in May of last year.
Speaking to the Advertiser on Friday, EVIS secretary Dianne Timony revealed that the group had now raised the money needed for the poles and that general agreement had been reached over what would go around their bases.
"We've now raised the money, and there has been some discussion about what will go around the base as well," she said. "So it has taken us some years to get it all organised and together.
"We're doing it because traditionally everything has been up at the other end of the village. You've got the arch and some big buildings there but nothing up the other end, so we've just been trying to 'big it up' a bit," said Dianne.
"We're fairly certain one of the flags will be the Saltire, but there will be a public meeting in the Inglis Hall on April 23 so that the public can decide which flags we should have.
"For one of the flags we will certainly be hoping to invite the children of the village to design it. This'll be something with an Edzell theme, but they've got a free hand to do with they like with that spec," she added.
The public meeting to discuss which flags residents wish to see fly from the poles will be held at the same time as the group's silent auction on Wednesday, April 23 from 7.30pm. All are welcome to attend.
The planning application for the poles will go before a meeting of Angus Council's development standard's committee at a later date.
However, EVIS members are hopeful that the poles will be given the greenlight and will be erected by June at the latest.
"We have obtained one quote from a flag supplier and erector, but we would welcome tenders from other local contractors who might be interested in supplying and installing the flagpoles," said EVIS chair Mike Whyte.
"With the exception of the flagpoles the remainder of the work shall be undertaken by EVIS volunteers and I would like to stress that anyone who would like to contribute their expertise or assist with the labour would be welcome.
"EVIS are in the process of applying for a grant from the Angus Council Community Fund to assist to fund the project. It is believed the total cost for the entire project will be in the region of 2500 - 3000 to complete.
"We have consulted the planning department, the community council and the villagers previously and early indication would suggest that there isn't going to be any major issues.
"On the understanding that the planning application is successful we are hoping that the flag poles will be erected by the end of May or beginning of June," he added.
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Weather for Brechin
Wednesday 08 February 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 1 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 25 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Light rain
Temperature: 3 C to 6 C
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