THE trouble that has rumbled on for several months over abusive criticism of local councillors made by Donnie Kerr at a Merkinch Community Council meeting last year was resolved at the February meeting when a vote of censure was passed on him by 8-1.

The matter was debated at length at the last meeting in November, at which time it was agreed there would be no further discussion, but that the chairman would seek legal advice before calling for a vote on the matter.

Mr Kerr left that meeting early and offered his apologies for the meeting held on 21st February in Merkinch Community Centre. The question was raised as to whether the vote of censure should go ahead, given his absence, but the meeting voted by 7-2 that it should, so that the whole business - which it was felt was very damaging to the council - could be settled.

One of the aspects of the row was that when the press had approached Mr Kerr he had repeated his allegations. The community council therefore decided to appoint a press liaison officer, and chairman Ally MacLean agreed to take on the role. Members were requested that if they were approached by the press they refer them to Mr MacLean.

In reply to a question, members were told that there was no question of suspension or dismissal for members who had been censured. Even if there had been no election, a member was deemed to be on the community council by the will of the people by default. However, the constitution says that if at a meeting a member is unruly the chairman can ask him/her to apologise or leave.

• The community council expressed their sadness at the death of Morag Soane. “She was a loyal supporter and a good friend to all of us,” said chairman Ally MacLean.
• Residents in Abban Street and Huntly Place are up in arms over the parking situation which has worsened since they tightened up in Kenneth Street, Councillor Chrissie Cumming said.
• Radical improvement work in Maclennan Crescent would take place in two phases and should be complete in the summer of 2003, members heard. Competition briefs had gone out to housing associations (see correction on page 6) and the work would involve the demolition of all the houses backing on to Anderson Street. Everyone involved was said to be delighted.
• Clair Pieraccini of Merkinch Traders reported that there had been no improvement in the lighting in Grant Street and there was a lot of water lying on the path behind the car park. He asked if they might approach the community council for a donation toward the summer’s floral displays.
• Dell McLurg reported that the winter had caused even more damage than normal at the South Kessock dolphin centre.
• Alec MacLeod was appointed as the community council’s representative on Merkinch Community Centre’s board of management.
• Donnie Kerr has lodged a formal complaint against community council secretary Anne McCreadie and she requested that all future communications be made through the chair.
• The next ordinary meeting of the council will be on 18th April in the school at 7.30pm.