THE Kirriemuir-based music group, DD8, is to receive the support of the local community council in the bid to address the problems of finding a suitable regular meeting place for members.
At last week's monthly meeting of Kirriemuir Community Council, David Milne explained that the presently vacant RAF Museum in Bellies Brae would fit the bill - but members were still awaiting word from the local authority as to their plans for the fu
ture of the premises.
Mr Milne said the group members lodged in interest in renting the property some months ago - but were still waiting for a clear signal from the council as to where they want to go with the property.
"There has been nothing official but there rumours have been circulating that the building, which has only recently been cleared, may be offered for rent to the highest bidder."
Mr Milne was seeking the support of the community council and local councillors in the bid to have DD8 Music considered as the new 'tenants.'
"DD8 Music has been around for three to four years now and there a lot of young people involved, not only in playing music but by lending their support in terms in running gigs, operating sound systems, etc.
"This group gives young people, who otherwise may be hanging around street corners, an outlet, and I just hope that local councillors will carry out their promise to support our bid for premises."
Mr Milne added that, if the building could be leased to DD8 Music, it could be available, not just for its group members, but for other music groups in the town.
While local Angus Councillors were unable to attend last week's meeting (they were at a meeting of their own in the Town Hall, Forfar), members of Kirriemuir Community Council gave their wholehearted support to DD8's bid for a permanent home in the town.
Chairman Roland Proctor said the community council was behind the youth of Kirriemuir and ready to back any bid to rent the RAF museum building, stating that it was ideally placed for such a purpose.
"We will write to Angus Council, seeking an update on the position with regard to the future use of the building.
"We require to get a clear steer from the local authority with regard to DD8 Music's note of interest."
Charlie Knight said he was astonished that the matter was still ongoing and backed the proposal to write to the council, seeking an update on the future plans for the premises.
So too did Harry Racionzer, who said it seemed to be taking an eternity to establish facilities for the young people of Kirriemuir.
"This music organisation is getting kids off the street. It's doing more for our young people than many other groups, yet it is operating without suitable premises."
There was unanimous backing for the community council proposal to write to Angus Council seeking clear signals as to its future intentions for a building which, for many years, housed a fascinating collection of RAF memorabilia and served to enhance the tourist attractions of the area.
In other matters, members were informed that new traffic restrictions, reducing the speed of traffic - from 40 mph to 30 mph - through the village of Maryton, should be in place in February.
The community council also firmed up on a date for the unveiling of a memorial slab - marking the contribution of the Cameron family to traditional music in Kirriemuir and much further afield.
The unveiling is to take place in Cumberland Close on Sunday, April 5, after which a tribute ceilidh will be held in the Town Hall, Kirriemuir.
