THE lawyer who holds the title deeds to the Welfare Hall, Ken McLeod, has agreed to the setting up of a charitable trust with independent trustees to overlook the restoration and maintenance of the Grant Street premises.
This move is needed to attract finance, Councillor Peter Corbett told the August meeting of Merkinch Community Council. The next step is for a plan to be worked out as to what the Boxing Club requires and how much it will all cost.
Tribute was paid to Donnie Kerr for the work that he had done over the years in keeping the question of the Welfare Hall alive. All agreed how much of an improvement it made to Grant Street to see the building’s exterior painted up.

• The former Catherwood site on Carse Road has now been flattened, members heard. Mr Corbett thought it likely the site would be used for housing rather than more retail outlets.
• Alex Macleod, reporting from the Maclennan Terrace residents’ group, complained that there appeared to have been no action yet on the refurbishment. He was assured that it would happen, eventually when the money was found.
• There is nothing so frustrating as the speed - or lack of speed - at which these things progress, he was offered in consolation. However, Mr Corbett pointed out that thousands of pounds worth of new fencing had been erected in the area this summer.
• Councillor Chrissie Cummings reported that out of her discretionary budget two items were definitely going ahead - the bin area at Dunabban Road was to be tarred, and 50% of the cost of a ramp for Trinity Church (the rest to be met by the church). She also hoped to see ropes in the Glendoe Terrace drying area and dog bins in Birnie and Glendoe Terraces.
• The Community Council are to look into a planning request for change of use to cover 24-hour operation at the former Watson & Phillips premises (now Brake Brothers) in Carsegate Road South. There was concern that the noise of food supply vehicles at all hours would affect local residents.
• The Community Council’s next meeting is at Merkinch Primary School on Thursday 13th September at 7.30pm.