civic square proposal
Treat gardens plan with respect
Published: 14/01/2010
THE proposal to convert Aberdeen’s Union Terrace Gardens into a civic square by raising it to Union Street level has provoked some passionate arguments for and against. This can only be good and demonstrates a fierce pride in the city by those who live in it.
Robust debate and strong opinions will be invaluable in determining the way forward once the formal consultation period, which began on Monday, ends. What is not acceptable is the conduct of those people who have stooped to personal abuse of those behind the scheme, principally Sir Ian Wood and Tom Smith, the chairman of Aberdeen City and Shire Economic Future (Acsef).
Whatever people think of the proposal, there should be no question but that the motives of the two men are entirely genuine. Sir Ian, remember, is promising to commit £50million of his own money if the project goes ahead, while Mr Smith devotes a large proportion of his own time to promoting the region at home and abroad. That, however, is not good enough for a few people who lack the ability to express themselves without resorting to insults.
This proposal, whether it proceeds or not, deserves to be treated with far more respect than some have so far shown.