Tuesday Morning Local Press Review

This week three letters in the Nairnshire making succinct and topical points. There’s a spirited argument for Nairn Swimming Pool from Gary Price. Gary has a number of points to make in defence of the pool and he makes them very well. He also asks questions of the consultation process and raises the issue of the consultation process, he is concerned indeed by the ‘problem solving’ and wonders aloud how this came about when we have highly paid officials and councillors to make decisions. I think Gurnites will agree with most or all of this letter. Concern continues to gather pace in Nairnshire over the threat to the pool and the cuts in general.

Thus a warning too about the fate of our Library from Paddy and Sheila Maher, they argue that the library is part of the social fabric of Nairn and could be in danger as part of the consultation process. Indeed we must be aware and be prepared to protect the library. It isn’t on the ‘hit list’ that made its way to the media via a freedom of information request but who knows what might happen next in the febrile atmosphere caused by these proposed cuts. 

Murd Dunbar takes the democratic process of River Community Council to task in the third letter to appear in this week’s edition.

The cuts feature too in the report of West Community Council’s meeting last week. Stinging criticism of the Highland Council’s consultation process from Com Councillor Brian Stewart and specific comment towards our Highland Councillors from Com Councillor Graham Vine. Criticism of the consultation process too from another Highland Councillor, Bob Wynd, as he lays into the administration for the effect it is all having on communities, particularly the fact that Ardersier library has appeared on a list of those that could close. Cllr Roddy Balfour too has spoken out:

‘The Council has a duty to provide things like libraries, swimming pools, service points and the only thing they are not closing down are the salaries of those at the top.’

News of the Rock4life cancellation, the editorial dwells on this issue too and examines if the market for rock festivals in the Highlands is now saturated. Interesting thoughts as usual from Iain Bain.

So to the front page and concerns from the Nairn Games Committee over sponsorship. A picture here too of Mark Bain who is preparing for an expedition to the Peruvian rain forest. Inside on page 2 news of new planning applications for the St Olaf Manor Complex in Cawdor Street. Details of the Nairnshire move (partial at the moment) to Cawdor Street too.

Election news with a picture of Mike Robb (Labour) and his squad of canvassers plus details of Tory support for Nairn Swimming Pool from Jim Ferguson. The paper seems to be mercifully short of election news, perhaps most people have made their minds up by now?

All the usual sport including cricket and soccer news plus tennis success for Lisa Munro.

On the back page the Suburban Community Council announce that they are back in business tonight (7.30 pm at Nairn Academy), their advert reads as follows:

Welcome to New Members, Election of Office Bearers, Sandown Lands, Highland Council Budget Cuts, Community Council Boundary Consultation – All made welcome – states the advert in bold italics.

Looks like it will be an interesting evening up in the suburbs tonight. Do you have any thoughts on those issues, your community council representatives would be delighted to see you. Here at Gurn HQ we once again point out that the Community Council Consultation process gives us the chance to secure a Royal Burgh Community Council for the town and ensure the community speaks with a single voice when dealing with Highland Council and other authorities.

The Nairnshire Telegraph is a  bumper read this week,full of details, information and comment – Yours for 40p – why not head for the shops right now and ensure your copy of one dead-tree information portal that still manages to hit the spot. A small price to pay for an organ that succinctly articulates the life and times of our community. Long live the Nairnshire Telegraph!