We Condemn the Peacock Personal Attack
As the public are consulted on the ACSEF-led proposals for a civic square, two of the businessmen behind the proposal have fallen victim to a vicious personal attack from a proponent of Peacock Visual Arts.
Adam Proctor, who was employed by Peacock Visual Arts as a Digital Coordinator from November 2001 to November 2009, is at the centre of a scandal that threatens to undermine Peacock’s own plans for the regeneration of Union Terrace Gardens and the Denburn Valley.
Writing on his Facebook and Twitter, which are viewable to the general public, Mr Proctor attacked Tom Smith, Chairman of ACSEF, and Sir Ian Wood, stating: “Tom Smith! Why is an oil boss allowed to steer a public consultation which considers a proposal from another oil boss? Oily Bastards!!!”
Tom Smith, Chairman of ACSEF sits on the City Square Project Steering Group, which is driving the work on the proposal which has been catalyzed by a personal donation of £50 million from Sir Ian Wood.
Iain Corbett, who established ‘I Believe in Aberdeen’, a group aimed at supporting the City Square project, today hit out at Mr Proctor labeling his comments “irresponsible” and calling on Peacock Visual Arts to issue a public apology to Mr Smith and Sir Ian Wood.
Mr Corbett commented: “On the one hand, Peacock Visual Arts are telling us that they are putting forward constructive solutions as to how to gain a win-win option for the regeneration of the area, encompassing the best of the City Square proposal and their own smaller scheme.
“However on the other hand, they are allowing free reign for their campaigners and affiliates to launch unfair, overly-critical and personal attacks on those who have an opinion different from themselves.”
He continued: “Peacock have lost all credibility. The comments made by Mr Proctor were extremely irresponsible and in bad taste and Peacock should issue a public apology to Tom Smith and Sir Ian Wood without delay.”
Support for the City Square Project has been swelling, with almost 700 signatories on a petition established by Mr Corbett only 6 days ago.
