THE chairman of the Brechin Townscape Heritage Initiative has launched a staunch defence of its operation in the wake of criticism from the community council.
This week, community councillor Audrey Mitchell said she was concerned that the group had been "left in the dark" over the progress of the THI and that there was concern over where the £2.9 million allocated to the project was going, especially as th
e project was in its third year of five.
Her comments come after Brechin Community Council were asked by the local authority to explain comments attributed to them regarding the use of THI cash and the £1.8million recently awarded to Brechin from the Town Centre Regeneration Fund.
Mrs Mitchell said: "The THI is public money. Nearly £3million. It's going into the third year now and they've put money into the museum and that's good.
"But what's happening with the Merchant's House, for example? I don't know what's happening about that at all. We've been left in the dark.
"As far as I am concerned, they should come back to (the community council] and tell us what's happening. I don't begrudge money being spent in Brechin.
"Our concern is this; is this money being spent wisely or otherwise?"
The chairman of Brechin THI, local councillor and Angus Alliance leader Bob Myles, has disputed the claims though, saying the community council has been kept informed every step of the way.
He said: "Brechin Community Council has been regularly updated, both verbally and in writing, on progress of THI and information on all progress on the THI is also reported on a monthly basis at the Brechin Area Partnership meetings, of which the community council is a member.
"The three local elected members all sit on the THI Partnership Executive Group, and the THI committee is made up from members of the community.
"Information on the THI is also publicly available on the THI web page and updates on the progress of the THI are given regularly in the local press."
Mr Myles said the heritage led regeneration initiative could not be completed rapidly due to the nature of the work involved. Despite this, a number of projects have already been completed, with more already in the pipeline.
He said: "The largest percentage of building repair grants involves private owners and requires investment from private individuals. Because of this, the time scale for grants can be long in terms of approval, legal contracts, grant conditions and personal circumstances.
"Where there is more than one owner, it also necessitates complete agreement between the individual parties. This is a common situation in the High Street of Brechin and it can present difficulties.
"The THI consists of a number of elements, including training and community initiatives as well as building repair. In 2009 a number of projects took place including the repointing of the Cathedral Wall in traditional lime mortar by a team of approximately 12 unemployed 18-24 year olds on the New Deal Programme, and a community archaeological dig in Bishop's Close involving more than 100 participants.
"Significant progress has been made on developing grant applications for building repairs and two major projects are due to begin this month: to the Dalhousie Bar buildings and the Cathedral Hall.
"Elsewhere, owners have appointed architects, as necessitated by the funding body regulations, and listed building consents and planning permission sought where necessary. This includes the building known locally as Terry's Tattoo's at 29-33 High Street.
"Tendering for building works is currently taking place for a number of buildings on the High Street with work likely to go on site in late spring. Due to the size of these grants, the applications will be subject to approval by the Heritage Lottery Fund and Historic Scotland.
"Smaller grants have also been awarded for window repair, reinstatement and cast iron rainwater goods renewal and there are a number of projects that will be undertaken in 2010. Public realm enhancements are scheduled to take place in the last two years' of the project.
"The budgets for the THI have been approved by the Heritage Lottery Fund, Angus Council and Historic Scotland. Staff costs and overheads are capped and represent less than 10% of the overall THI budget over five years. All THI spend is submitted to the Heritage Lottery Fund and Historic Scotland for approval on a quarterly basis."
