Steeple demolition plan proposed

A group representing disabled people has suggested knocking down the 300-year-old Midsteeple in Dumfries to replace it with an advice centre. The Nithsdale Coalition of Disabled People (NCDP) has written to Dumfries and Galloway Council with its plan. Chairman Alastair Moir said there was no justification for spending more than £2m on renovating the building.

He said an "independent living centre" could put Dumfries at the forefront of provision for the disabled.

The area around the steeple was cordoned off in 2005 amid fears for public safety. The spire was removed from the building and the repairs bill now stands at about £2.3m.

Mr Moir said his organisation felt the money would be better diverted into a partnership project.

"NCDP cannot see any justification for spending large sums of public money on a building that can have no reasonable public use given the limitations of size and access," he said. "We see the best way forward as the demolition of the Midsteeple and the provision of a fully accessible facility within the town centre."

The NCDP has offered to meet with the council to discuss the proposal.