Co-incidentally, the meeting was held in the home of ex-Provost Ian Mortimer, chairman, as no other venue was available in the burgh.

The councillor's letter reads: 'Further to my last visit to Monifieth Community Council, I understand from John Whyte that the community council is concerned that there is still no movement on the community hall issue.

'I am similarly disappointed we haven't been able to progress quicker on this. The hold up is, as I am sure you are well aware, that we were waiting word from the churches as to which of their halls would be available before going into formal negotiations.

'We were led to believe that decisions would be made soon, but as yet we have had no formal approach so we could proceed.'

The fact that the letter had been sent to the community council was felt to be a snub to both community centre groups - the petition group and the steering group - which are independent from the community council and Monifieth Area Partnership.

The steering group and the petition group amalgamated about a month ago and the combined force is a registered Scottish charity.

Vice-chairman, Mrs Margaret Copland feels that the content of the letter is bewildering.

She explained: "It indicates that negotiations are at an advanced stage by Angus Council and the Churches of Monifieth for one of the already used to capacity Victorian halls. Why give taxpayers' money to the church for a place already available to the community for a hiring fee?

"These discussions seem to take place in secret behind closed doors with no representation of the public or any opportunity allowed them for input or discussion as to what they would wish for Monifieth's leisure and sports accommodation.

"Once again the population of Monifieth is lacking in proper representation by those elected to put forward their best interests.

With a population approaching 13,500, building of new housing developments continues to be approved with no infrastructure to support the increasing population."

Mrs Copland poured scorn on the idea of taking over one of the church halls. "That will be of no benefit to Monifieth," she told the Guide & Gazette, "as every hall is already booked to capacity.

What we are looking for is a new-build facility that will provide additional letting infrastructure in Monifieth.

"The steering group will continue to work towards providing the people of Monifieth with the purpose-built, cross-generation, modern facility that they have indicated they want."