MONTROSE community councillors are concerned they have lost the "voice of the youth" for good, after two Montrose Academy pupils resigned over the dispute relating to new members.
Chair Joan Stott attributed the resignations of Graceann Robertson and John Thomson to criticism of the community council by Tommy Stewart and Joe Boyle over the recent co-option of members and their questions as to whether the pupils were being co
unted as full members.
At the January meeting of the community council Mrs Stott said someone from Angus Council had spoken to Ron Small, the headteacher. In an email to Mrs Stott the pupils said they felt it was best if they did not return and were sorry it had gone this way. They thanked the community council for their support and wished them all the best for 2010.
Mrs Stott said: "I find it absolutely disgusting that because three people did not listen to the facts that this situation has arisen. No one was ever in any doubt that Graceann was a Montrose Academy representative.
"Had these people listened, they would have heard me saying that Graceann was 15 years old.
"It was only through the vindictiveness of these people that we, Montrose Community Council, and indeed the people of Montrose, have lost the voice of the youth."
Mrs Stott went on to defend the community council against comments made by Mr Stewart and Mr Boyle in letters handed out at the November meeting.
She said: "Mr Boyle stated in his letter dated November 26 'where were the members from the Glens', our vice-chair stays in the Glens, 'Borrowfield', our planning contact stays in Borrowfield, 'people representing the youth of Montrose' – well thanks to him, Mr Stewart and community councillor Davies, we now do not have these young people whose opinions we appreciated.
"Mr Stewart stated in his letter dated November 26 that 'the reason I ask this question is I note the female pupil lives in Hillside'. Again, if he had listened he would have heard me say that Graceann was representing the youth of our town, being a pupil of Montrose Academy. As a 15 year old she was not eligible to become a community councillor in either Hillside or Montrose.
"As for Councillor Davies outburst, again regarding Graceann staying in Hillside – all I can say is I think it was a total disgrace.
"John and Graceann have been youth representatives with us now for quite some time with no problems whatsoever. Their resignations are no coincidence.
"I would like to thank John and Graceann for their input; they are true ambassadors not only for Montrose Academy but also for the town. It is a privilege to know them and I am sure Montrose Community Council joins me in wishing them all the best for a successful future."
After hearing of the resignations, community councillor Bill Gibson said after the "debacle" the community council may not get any more Academy representatives. He also said recent events could be giving people a bad impression of the community council.
A spokesperson for Angus Council said: "Community councils each have a quota of members. This quota is not affected by additional representatives on the council who are either underage or from local organisations and who do not have voting rights. For example, Montrose Community Council can still have 15 community councillors in addition to extra members representing other organisations, such as Montrose Academy.
"In the light of an ongoing local dispute as to community council membership numbers, the two pupils representing Montrose Academy have decided to withdraw from the council. Their choice is fully supported by the school, and the head teacher will be writing to the community council to inform them of this decision."
