Calls for transparency over Christie Clock demolition

Stirling MSP Evelyn Tweed says there's a "lack of transparency" from the local council, after the Christie Clock was brought down last month.

It was pulled down last month, after engineers deemed it at risk of collapse.

Stirling Council will discuss the restoration of the landmark tomorrow.

Letters asking for details from the Stirling politician have been treated as a Freedom of Information request by Stirling Council - with deadlines pushed back.

Evelyn Tweed MSP says:

‘I was disappointed when Stirling Council treated my original enquiry as an FOI request, with a twenty-day deadline for a response. I have now received a response providing no answers but informing me that the inquiry is to be dealt with under the Environmental Information (Scotland) Regulations. This comes with another 20-day deadline attached which, beyond disappointing, is outrageous.

‘The Council made a mistake in demolishing the clock in the way that it did, and instead of owning up to their mistake, they are attempting to kick the issue into the long grass by using administrative loopholes to avoid providing answers. The people of Stirling deserve much more than this. I will continue to pursue answers and hold the council to account.’

A Stirling Council spokesperson said: “Stirling Council recognises and shares the public concern following the pulling down of the Christie Clock.

“This is why a report about the matter has been urgently prepared for this Thursday’s Council meeting that includes a recommendation to rebuild and restore this important local landmark.

“A review that was immediately commissioned by the Chief Executive into the circumstances of the incident is also ongoing.

“We have received a significant number of FOI requests seeking a wide range of information about the clock. We will respond to these requests within the timeframe set out in the legislation

“We will continue to share key updates with public about the Christie Clock, including the decisions taken by Council on Thursday.