Inverness city centre Academy Street bollards installed during Covid-19 pandemic are set to be removed
Mystery surrounds how long it will take Highland Council to remove the bollard-like mini pylons from Academy Street.
Dozens were installed around four years ago during the coronavirus pandemic as part of a Spaces for People initiative to aid social distancing by effectively widening the pavements on either side of the road. Similar interventions were previously in place around Inverness Castle, Bridge Street and part of the riverside.
The decision for the bollards to go was taken at last week’s council meeting, when there was a 30-23 vote to ditch the local authority’s controversial plans to revamp Academy Street.
The revamp was designed to reduce the number of vehicles using the street and make it more appealing for people on foot and wheels.
Some traders feared the changes would impact their businesses negatively.
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There was also concerns over a lack of consultation, with a judicial review criticising some of the council’s efforts.
Regarding the removal of all Covid interventions from Academy Street, a council spokesman said: "The council will now consider the next steps and ensure any proposed changes to Academy Street in terms of the current set up are communicated as early as possible."
When asked for a timeframe and whether the road, or one lane, would need to be closed for removal, the spokesman said it had nothing further to add.
What do you think should happen next for Academy Street? Email newsdesk@hnmedia.co.uk
