'We want your views on cycling and walking safety plans for Inverness,' says Highland Council
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Views are being sought over ongoing plans to improve road safety for pedestrians and cyclists in Inverness.
A new round of public consultation has opened as part of Highland Council's 'West of the Ness' project, which is aiming to make walking, wheeling, and cycling easier and safer in the area between the River Ness and the Caledonian Canal.
The consultation is part of phase two of the project, and comes after eight options were identified for improved road junctions, paths and cycling in that area of the city. These were identified following a survey of almost 800 residents and relate to the likes of active travel and safer routes to school.
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Chairman of Highland Council’s economy and infrastructure committee, Cllr Ken Gowans said: “The West of the Ness project was instigated by two parents, supported by the council, who were concerned about their children’s safety in getting to and from school, and for generally reducing vehicle use for everyday journeys in and through the West of the Ness area.
“The area is a key central part of the city extending from Ness Islands to South Kessock and from the area immediately to the west of the River Ness and to the east of the Caledonian Canal. West of the Ness catchment includes the residential areas around 5 primary schools, Bishop’s Eden, St Joseph’s, Central, Dalneigh and Merkinch and Inverness High School so we are very keen that as many people living and working in the area as possible take part in the consultation sessions taking place on January 23 and 25.”
The sessions, which will take the form of informal drop-in events at two local venues, will enable the public to give their views on a range of possible initiatives which have been developed as a result of earlier community feedback.
The project is supported by a wider steering group comprising representatives of community councils, local schools, and active travel agencies. The project is funded by Places for Everyone, an active travel infrastructure programme backed by Transport Scotland and administered by Sustrans.
Grant advisor for Sustrans, Rachel De Oliveira, said: “The West of the Ness project aims to make walking, wheeling, and cycling in Inverness safer and more convenient than ever. This will not only benefit those wishing to access the city centre, but will also improve connectivity for residents of South Kessock and those travelling along the Caledonian Canal. With this latest round of engagement, we encourage all residents to share their views and help make the project a success”
Following the first phase, eight options were identified, consisting of 22 changes – dubbed 'interventions' by the council – aimed at addressing key issues, while also suggesting potential solutions within this area relating to active travel, safer routes to school, and public realm.
The consultants now wish to further engage with the West of the Ness communities to test if there is community support for these interventions before progressing to the full design stage.
Two open public drop- in sessions are planned where concepts of proposed interventions will be on show to allow the community to have their say. These are scheduled as follows:
- Kenneth Street Hall (11 Kenneth Street) on Tuesday, January 23 from 2.30pm – 6.00pm followed by a 7pm presentation and question and answer session.
- Merkinch Community Centre on Thursday, January 25 from 2.30pm – 6.00pm followed by a 7pm presentation and question and answer session.
For further information contact Alan Jones on 0771 882 8088 or email alanjonesassociates@btopenworld.com.
