Opposition voiced among business and community leaders and over proposed relocation of Nairn's library to the new Nairn Academy
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A former business leader and chairwoman of Nairn West and Suburban Community Council and Nairn BID are leading calls to oppose moves by Highland Council to relocate the town’s library to the new Nairn Academy when it is built.
Sheena Baker used the famous line of former PM Margaret Thatcher when she opposed the UK joining a single European currency.
“Whether you liked the lady or not – the words ‘No, No, No’ come to mind. That is what Nairn should be shouting from every rafter in the town. If the cost of building the proposed new academy cannot stack up without removing the library from the town centre to within the grounds of the new academy then clearly something is very wrong with the forecast and budget,” she said.
“Why should the centre of Nairn be consigned to even more reduction of footfall on the back of a simply stupid, some might say farcical, suggestion? Repositioning the library to the outskirts of the town is simply a very poorly thought out, ill-conceived, some may say crackpot, plan.”
Mrs Baker has been joined in her call by three candidates standing at the next local government election, businesses and Nairn BID who fear for the impact on town centre footfall.
Lucy Harding, manager of Nairn BID, said her organisation represents 200 levy-paying businesses based around the town centre who depend on a thriving High Street with a mixed clientele taking advantage of the wide services offered.
There has also been a strong adverse reaction to the plan on social media from members of the public who share concerns that the re-location would make the service not accessible.
Highland Council have entered into public consultation which closes on Friday (March 25). flagging up a lists of benefits they claim the move would lead to.
It is proposed to move the public library from its existing High Street location in a former supermarket, to the site of the proposed new Nairn Academy School and Community Campus at Duncan Drive.
Opponents to the move are citing existing empty buildings in and near the town centre which they believe could provide an alternative.
The former finance office behind the Courthouse is a listed building and is lying empty. Many believe with a suitable extension it could provide the perfect location. This property is being marketed by the Council for £70,000.
Another building identified is the former Rosebank Church which has lain empty since 1979. The Council bought it for £12,000 and later sold it on for £1 when the cost of restoration made re-development prohibitive.
That property is still in private ownership but has had its roof replaced with government funding.
Mrs Baker hit out at the existing council members for not blocking the idea to move the library to the school from the outset.
“Moving the library to the New Academy beggars’ belief that folks (including elected members) have even given this any mileage.
“The A 96 is already overloaded but it appears there are those planning this move who think it would be a good idea to add to that congestion and the resulting vehicle emissions.”
Lucy Harding on behalf of the BID board said: “We wish to express our concern at the proposals to move Nairn Library to the site of the new Nairn Academy, Duncan Drive, from its current High Street site because we believe there is a serious disconnect between maintaining the principles of the 20 minute neighbourhood and this proposed move.
“We believe that relocating the Library to the Duncan Drive site will not increase the usage as it has done in other locations, due to that site being so far out of the town centre, only accessible really by car, and not on any bus routes.”
To leave feedback or comments please complete the Nairn Library Consultation Form and either Email it to nairn.library@highlifehighland.com or print it and hand it in at Nairn Library by close of business on Friday 25th March 2022.
