Funding approved for Refurbishment of Alexandra Bridge and Merkinch Community Centre

The Highland Council Resources Committee has today agreed the proposals to approve sufficient funding from the Capital Discretionary Fund for the refurbishment of Alexandra Bridge in Tain and Merkinch Community Centre.

Councillors have made the decision to commit a further £10,000 from the Capital Discretionary Fund and  an additional  £76,670 from Tain Common Good Fund to the works carried out on Alexandra Bridge so that a more complete refurbishment can take place. The bridge is important to locals and visitors alike and was previously closed in 2011 due to severe corrosion. This impacted on the number of walkers in the area, so the repairs will help to ensure continued interest in the outdoors in Tain.

Meanwhile, £15,000 from the Capital Discretionary Fund will be used to replace single-glazed windows, purchase a bicycle rack and new signage at Merkinch Community Centre. The Community Centre is self-financing: all income raised is reinvested into improving or continued delivery of facilities and has approximately 27,500 users every year. The replacement of single-glazed windows will help to save energy, and this will benefit the users of these rooms, who are often vulnerable adults and pre-school children.

Cllr Maxine Smith, Chairperson of the Resources Committee said: “I am very pleased that the Council have agreed to invest funds in the refurbishment projects of both Alexandra Bridge and Merkinch Community Centre. Both of these projects will benefit their local communities greatly, and I am eager to see both works when they have been completed.”