Say what you want! Residents of Queenspark and Boathpark housing estates in Nairn invited to share ideas for area by Highland Council participation officers
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Walkabouts round Queenspark and Boathpark housing estates in Nairn are being organised by Highland Council participation officer Catriona Sutherland to get the views of residents on their thoughts and aspirations of living in the area.
Queenspark was built in the pre- and post-World War II era providing much-needed accommodation for families, many from overcrowded homes in the Fishertown.
Building at Boathpark began in the early 1960s.
Post-war, many pre-fabricated homes were also built and later replaced by permanent housing.
A Queenspark Residents Group is now in its infancy and two residents, Morag Anderson and Katrina Woods, are hoping more will join them at future meetings to identify what residents need and how to improve facilities and the environment.
Highland Council tenant participation officer Catriona Sutherland has arranged the Rate Your Estate walkabouts in both areas on June 7.
Newly elected councillors will be invited to attend along with the council’s maintenance officer, amenities officer and other relevant officials.
Miss Anderson moved to Queenspark over a year ago and became
involved in Nairn Play, which will spend £35,000 on new facilities for children at the nearby Riverside play area.
“There’s a good community spirit in Nairn overall,” she said. “But I feel there is a lack of channels for the community to identify their needs and bring projects to fruition.”
“At the moment Katrina and I are getting the residents group off the ground in Queenspark and hopefully more will join us. There is absolutely nowhere to meet in Queenspark [or Boathpark] and it would be good to have somewhere to gather indoors for a coffee morning and a chat.
“The only building which would suit the purpose at Queenspark is the Army Cadet Hut in John Street and we will make enquiries about its availability.
“The estate has absolutely no play areas although that will be rectified in July when £35,000 will be spent on equipment for the children at the Riverside.
“Weather permitting, we could hold a meeting outdoors there but there are no benches.
“I hope the residents attend the walkabout on June 7 so councillors and the residents group can hear their views. I’m sure we could achieve a lot if we have better communication and something to channel the positivity that I’m sure exists but just needs to be tapped into to bring ideas forward to be developed.”
A council spokesman said: “Rate Your Estates are where tenants, housing staff and councillors come together to walk round the estate to give tenants the opportunity to point out areas of concern and where they would like to see improvements made.
“Housing staff can then draw up an action plan based on the tenants’ wishes and priorities to ensure that tenants’ rent money is being spent on improvements highlighted by the tenants themselves.”
• All residents are invited to attend. If you cannot go but would still like to have your say, email Catriona.Sutherland1@highland.gov.uk
