Investigate Argyll and Bute Council

Many people living in Argyll and Bute are concerned at the serious allegations contained in the Common Space articles written during February and March 2015. Some of these allegations relate to the failed community buyout of Castle Toward which over 10,000 people supported in a previous 38 degrees petition. The Chief Executive of the council, Sally Loudon has been asked by some local residents and by the MSP Mike Russell to instigate an independent investigation into these allegations. So far the response has been they cannot because the allegations are anonymous despite there being precedents for the investigation of anonymous allegations in many areas of public life including the Police, Social Services and Health Boards. Sally Loudon has also given written responses saying the allegations are untrue but without a full, thorough and independent investigation this is unsatisfactory and leaves too many questions unanswered. The General Register of Scotland recently published figures showing a continuing serious decline in the population of Argyll and Bute. We need to know the council is working for the good of the local people and stop this decline in an area rich with natural assets and so much potential for growth.