West of the Ness road safety plans begin public consultation
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Efforts to make several Inverness neighbourhoods safer places for pedestrians, school children and cyclists are now being highlighted to the public in the hope those communities will help to shape them.
The first of three planned public consultation drop-in sessions was held in the city this week as part of the West of the Ness project, which aims to deliver safer communities in Dalneigh, Merkinch, Ballifeary, South Kessock and the area around the Caledonian Canal.
The project initially began in response to concerns over children’s safety on local roads amid rat running issues in the area.
But it has since grown in scope. A range of around 20 initial ‘interventions’ have been suggested, ranging from speed cushions in specific streets to changes to existing street layouts and junctions to make them safer for all.
- Related: 'We want your views on cycling and walking safety plans for Inverness,' says Highland Council
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However, those running the consultations are keen to stress that the project is very much being run with community ownership in mind – and they have urged residents to make sure they have their say to help shape which elements are taken forward, which are altered based on feedback, dropped, or even introduced to the existing mix.
John Humphries, associate consultant at Alan Jones Associates, which is conducting the consultation and design on behalf of Highland Council, said that the list of possible interventions includes “some early winners that could have a really positive impact” on the neighbourhoods.
He added: "The project aims to improve routes for walking, cycling, or wheeling to and from school, work and places of leisure in West of The Ness area – between the River Ness and Caledonian Canal.”
The first drop-in event and presentation was held in Kenneth Street Hall on Tuesday, with another planned in Merkinch Community Centre tomorrow (Thursday) from 2.30pm to 6pm, which will be followed by a 7pm presentation and question and answer session.
And a third date has also now been added, with a drop-in session running in Inverness High School on Tuesday, February 6 from 6pm to 7pm. It will be followed by a presentation and Q&A at 7pm.
A survey has also been launched, which gives people the chance to have their say on the project's various interventions and priorities. Visit www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/westness to take part.
