Community councillors in Nairn question £18k spend by Highland Council on feasibility study

Highland Council's plans to use £18,000 to carry out a feasibility study for a community food growing initiative on Common Good land at Sandown has been questioned by members of Nairn West & Suburban Community Council.

They are asking why the study is not being carried out by the council's own staff and why the Nairn Common Good Fund will be paying for the study.

Sandown will not get housing

Chairman Alastair Noble said: "We have been promised that a Common Good Advisory Group will be set up before any decision making on Sandown is agreed.

"It's important that we have a proper study holistically of the Sandown lands to see what people really want there.

"Personally, I think we should use this money as part of our overarching Local Place Plan work along with the Common Good work to ensure as a community we prioritise our needs and spending and above all deliver value for money."

Secretary Brian Stewart said: "It is the flavour of the month and a very desirable and sensible thing for communities to do.

"But why is £18k being spent on a study. What happens if you are living in an area that has no Common Good. It should be part of the mainstream council work. Our money is being committed without any local consultation.

"This is all being done before the setting up of a Common Good Advisory Group which was a clear and unambiguous commitment to Nairn by the Highland Council."

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