Provost has no fears for Links cycle move as residents express concerns after Nairn area committee’s decision to grant permission to a club to use it for training purposes
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Provost Laurie Fraser has defended the Nairn area committee’s decision to grant permission to a cycling club to use the links for training purposes.
The decision has been opposed by two community councils who say the area between Bunker’s Brae and the bandstand is widely used by members of the public for picnics, exercising dogs and walking in summer and winter.
The community councils said the matter had been approved without any consultation and there were concerns the grassed areas would be damaged by the activity. There were also safety fears.
The Provost told Nairn West and Suburban Community Council: “I’ve not got a problem with it. If they tear up the grass they have to sort it. We’ll see what happens in a few weeks’ time.”
Community council member Alan Hampson said: “I’ve spoken to lots of people and they are asking: ‘What idiot came up with this idea?’ People can’t understand this amount of public space being given over to cyclists.
“You could have 20 people with bikes taking up a large area of the links. Visitors come to the Nairn Links to enjoy picnics.”
Community council interim chairman Dr Alastair Noble said one of the problems is the existing BMX track has not been looked after properly.
The club has received permission to use the links for practice every Sunday.
“This is unreasonable,” Dr Noble said.
Community council secretary Brian Stewart said the town already had a large area dedicated to cyclists at the Riverside, adding: “The links is a public amenity for families, dogs, kids, buggies and kite fliers. This proposal is for exclusive use by cyclists every Sunday. If the Riverside is not suitable there should have been an examination of options.”
He suggested the grassed hills beside Boath Park and the cemetery. But one resident urged caution, pointing out both areas included footpaths.
