Newly established Badenoch and Strathspey Transport Forum meets for the first time

The inaugural meeting of Badenoch and Strathspey’s Local Transport Forum took place today in Grantown on Spey.

Representatives from community councils and partner organisations came together to discuss the scope and membership of the forum as agreed by the Badenoch and Strathspey Area Committee.

Chair of the Badenoch and Strathspey Committee, Councillor Russell Jones, said: “I’m pleased to see community groups coming together to take forward the newly established Local Transport Forum which was agreed in April. The forum provides an opportunity for local people to share concerns and ideas, engage directly with transport operators and build strong relationships with partner organisations.

“With many rural communities throughout Badenoch and Strathspey, transport is particularly important for this area and the forum will act as a central point of contact for transport issues and ensure that local people can be involved in the development of improved transport solutions, covering everything from active travel to buses and trains and linking all of these together. The aim is to support local people to move around our area more easily and when best suits them.

“‘My ward colleagues and I will be actively involved in this forum at all times, and we look forward to working with Community Council representatives, partner organisations and transport providers. We are determined to see results for local residents, and I look forward to working with the community on this as Chair of the new Transport Forum.”

Members of the Badenoch and Strathspey Committee agreed to establish the Local Transport Forum at the last committee meeting on 28 April. Regular meetings of the forum will take place after the summer recess, with venues alternating between Badenoch and Strathspey.