New bridge within 2-3 years - Whitebridge campaigners express their thanks and gratitude

The Gurn is delighted to post the following statement from the Whitebridge support group:

Members of the Cawdor and West Nairnshire Community Council and Whitebridge Community Support Group this morning attended the Highland Council’s Planning, Development and Infrastructure Committee meeting held at the Highland Council’s Headquarters. Sandy Park, former Convenor and member of the Support Group was warmly welcomed back to the Council Chamber.

During a discussion on capital expenditure, Councillor Michael Green spoke passionately about the requirement for a replacement bridge on the B9090 at Whitebridge as a result of the forthcoming 18T weight restriction. He highlighted the impact the traffic restriction will have on the local economy and specifically forestry, farming and other businesses.

Councillor Green drew members’ attention to the recommendation to accelerate capital sums for this project as it is now seen as a priority. Already a preliminary design report has been prepared by the Council’s structural engineers, and praise was rightly given to the Community Services and Development and Infrastructure teams for the speed in which they have taken on board the seriousness of this project. Whilst not a ‘lifeline’ bridge, this crossing of the River Nairn is crucial to the local and wider communities. As Councillor Green highlighted, there are potentially huge knock-on effects on the traffic through already congested Nairn.

Councillor Roddy Balfour, a long-time advocate for a replacement bridge to protect the historic Whitebridge, concurred with Cllr Green in both the requirement for a new bridge and the support of the local community, working closely with the Highland Council’s officers.

After a brief discussion about other Highland-wide projects, we are delighted to report that the Committee unanimously passed the recommendations of the officers and we are finally getting our New Bridge within the next 2 to 3 years!

The Community Council and Support Group wish to publically express their thanks and gratitude to the hard work of our local councillors, especially Cllrs Green, Balfour and Stephen. We would also echo Cllr Green’s thanks and praise of the Highland Council’s Planning and Infrastructure team along with the support of Community Services and we look forward to working with them in the forthcoming months.