West of the Ness residents to be consulted on local traffic and active travel issues.
The Highland Council will be working with the local community to improve active travel (walking, cycling and wheeling) links for schools, leisure and work in the area between the Caledonian Canal and the River Ness.
People living in the area between the Caledonian Canal and the River Ness are being invited to give their views on how the area could be made easier and safer for people getting around by foot, wheeling or cycling.
The West of the Ness Project is a community-driven concept, which is now being supported by Highland Council with funding through Sustrans Scotland’s ‘Places for Everyone’ programme, and support from Transport Scotland.
The project consultation phase is now live, to encourage local people and people who travel to or through the area for work or leisure to give their views on how to make it easier and safer to travel on foot, wheeling or cycling, and to gather their views on safe and active travel, and the quality of public space in the area.
The West of the Ness Project Group is working to identify potential improvements to walking, cycling and wheeling in the West of the Ness area, supporting safer journeys to school, work and leisure, in the area defined by the natural boundaries of the River Ness and Caledonian Canal.
Yvonne Thain, chair of the West of the Ness management group, said: “Our project developed from the local community’s concern over how busy the local area has become. We are aiming to make the area safer and more accessible to get everyone more active through walking, cycling and wheeling to school, work or leisure activities.
“A flyer will be delivered to households in the project area giving guidance on how residents can take part in the survey. Inverness High School, and five local Primary Schools, Dalneigh, Central, St Josephs, Bishop Eden and Merkinch are all participating in the project, as well as a wide range of businesses, leisure facilities, and we hope as many local residents will participate in our survey as possible. That way we can make the case for future infrastructure investments to improve the quality of life for everyone."
Having been appointed by the West of The Ness Project Group, consultants Alan Jones Associates, of Inverness are undertaking an extensive consultation programme, holding online discussions with key local groups, community councils and stakeholder organisations.
Inverness City Area Committee Chair and Provost, Cllr Helen Carmichael, said: “The group is looking to engage the wider public, with a survey now available online to capture the views of everyone living, working or visiting the West of the Ness Area.
“This survey looks to identify issues and potential solutions within this area relating to Active Travel, safer routes to school, and accessible open spaces, and your input will help to determine where potential investment can support improvements based on local need.”
The survey is accessible to anyone online at: www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/westofness and the QR Code above, or alternatively, a copy can be sent to you by emailing info@westoftheness.co.uk or phoning 07759 490264 and leaving a voicemail.