Trump critic seeks action over Menie homes issue

Aberdeenshire Council is being urged to bring forward a detailed report on the use of compulsory purchase orders (CPOs) to make way for Donald Trump’s golf resort.

Longstanding critic Martin Ford has asked the council what date officers plan to bring forward the required detailed report on CPOs against Menie residents.

He said he wanted it “so that the council can take a decision on the issue and give residents a proper assurance that the council will not attempt to force them from their homes”.

Mr Trump has been given permission to add the neighbouring properties to his planned golf course – Mill of Menie, Menie Fishing Station, Hermit Point and Leyton Cottage.

The owners have so far refused to sell, but Mr Trump insists he will not ask the council to use its CPO powers.

Green Party member Mr Ford lodged a motion at a full council meeting on October 1 last year asking the council not to use CPOs to force the Menie residents from their homes.

The council stated that it appreciated the “uncertainty and concerns” over the use of the powers, but it would take no action on Mr Ford’s motion as it would be inappropriate to make a decision without a detailed report being available for full and proper consideration.

Mr Ford said: “The uncertainty and concerns of the threatened residents have now been part of their lives for well over a year and for a further 10 months since I asked the council to take a decision last October.

Full Story: The Press & Journal