West End Schools Consult Park Users

I remain concerned about the need for more consultation about the West End Schools proposal especially how these proposals will impact on the future use of Victoria Park. Last week's HMIe Report talked about there being a 'dedicated' part of the park for the schools to use and also a need for a 'firmer indication of what pitches or sports area might be laid out.'

As I have said I am keen for progress to be made on the proposals for new schools in the West End. I want the best educational facilities possible for the young people of the West End. I note the response given in the Courier by a spokesperson however I think that this somewhat contradicts what the Scottish Government said when it gave permission to progress the project. The Scottish Government appear to be looking for a dedicated area marked out as sports pitches, whilst that does not necessarily require a fence to be built around the pitches such changes would clearly change the nature of Victoria Park. I reiterate my plea for the community in the West End to be involved in discussions about these proposals. The park is well used and much loved, the people who use the park should be asked about their views. I understand that in the 1960s the park was used by Lawside Academy but I would imagine that in terms of PE provision things have moved on since then. There are also different approaches to child protection and health and safety in the twenty-first century.

It is clear that progress needs to be made and I am reassured that meetings will take place early in the new year. Clearly though the City Council must listen to the report which it caused to be written by the HMIe which calls for more consultation and for dedicated sports pitches to be laid out in Victoria Park.

Please see below paragraph 6.2 of the report by HMIe,.

'HMIE recommends that the council be asked to clarify its proposals for use of Victoria Park by giving a commitment to how it would dedicate part of the park for use of the two primary schools and a firmer indication of what pitches or sports areas might be laid out for their use at various times of the year. The council should also seek to reassure parents about the levels of contamination of soil at the proposed site and the level of danger from the nearby electricity sub-station. HMIE also recommends that the council shares and discusses the detailed plans for the joint campus with parents.'

A map of Victoria Park produced by Dundee City Council's Leisure & Communities Department which shows a bowling green , tennis courts, play areas and rose garden as the current features of Victoria Park can be found here.