"Traffic and speeding on A96 and parking on Moss-side Road, Air quality and exhaust emissions, Developer Contributions (Dcs), Flood prevention, Sandown: the further consultation, Grant Street Store & Yard, James’ Kiosk, BMX track on the Links, Harbour toilets, Planning for new Academy, Seamens’ Hall, Ardersier Port."
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Having spent time reading the minutes of the NWSCC it is, in some respects, comforting to see the level of interest taken in local matters. However, one feels that the endless negativity, criticism and at times patronising tone of the CC is only holding Nairn back. What is needed is a positive attitude where projects, development and business activity is seen as good and not treated as the enemy. I fully appreciate the need for well-considered long term planning but the overall reading of the CC is of a body the seems to enjoy this endless critical process for the sake of it, rather than actually focusing on deliverable outcomes. The tactic seems to be endless discussion as a way of delaying/preventing progress. It is little wonder that when funders (both public and private) see this level of debate in Nairn they chose to invest elsewhere as there are many other communities in the Highlands that welcome investment with open arms and have projects that can be delivered. When the CCs choose to point their figure they need to remember that 3 are pointing back at them. This is not to disregard their (hard)work, but to perhaps say their effects could be better placed in changing the current approach as I believe that would yield a much better outcome for all.
ReplyDeleteWell said Anon.
ReplyDeleteOther parts of the Highland Council area seem to get a much better deal by working constructively, positively and creatively.
If you want to know 3479 reasons why something shouldn't, mustn't, can't happen ..... then just ask Nairn Westies to write a lengthy report.
Sigh ......
Each to their own opinions, I think they are doing a good job in holding the highland council to account.
ReplyDeleteThe recent town centre funding carbunkle by our own Nairn area councillors decision behind closed doors is extremely concerning, and very suspect indeed by being found guilty of not following correct processes, hardly what electors should expect.
Together with the highland council "accounting error" for splash pad maintenance brought to attention by local community councillors as opposed to elected Nairn Councillors is very admirable.
When you take into consideration Highland Council and Nairn area members common good land management issues and decision making it shows the need to have the community council doing what they do for the town with no reward as opposed to the area councillors cow towing to Inverness centric of so called independent (councillors party).
The use of Common Good land and profiting for car parking as well as charging for public toilet maintenance by Highland council and supported by Nairn area councillors is also not in our electors interest, especially when other area's of the highlands toilet maintenance is HC funded and not charged to their common good fund.
I hope voters don't get fooled by councillors in the local may election standing as independent (forming a rather arrogant party of dictators) rather than true independents.
You are entitled to your opinion... perhaps a quick tally up of what has actually materially been achieved by the two Community Councils in the town over the past few years should make for sobering, if rather short, reading.
DeleteFor those who say other Common Good funds don't pay for things like public conveniences ........ https://www.northern-times.co.uk/news/public-toilets-refurb-underway-thanks-to-funding-from-dornoc-265379/
ReplyDeleteIt's not about CAB or housing it's about the way it was done and the secrecy. It stinks!
ReplyDeleteThe sustained pattern of sniping and hostility aimed at Nairn's community councils is very evident across social media. It is a pity that the campaign is now beginning to extend, behind an "Anonymous" identity (which fools no-one) to the comments pages of the Gurn.
ReplyDeleteIf decision-makers are not held to account, if accounting is not transparent, if secrecy, incompetence and bad judgement are not only tolerated but defended and excused, then the entire community loses out.
Without integrity in public administration, nothing else is possible, and nothing else matters. Those who are so quick to condemn the efforts of community councils would do well to reflect on that.
I'll let you debate that with the people who end up with a decent roof over their heads.
ReplyDeleteIt might make you feel like you're fighting some great fight, and achieving....meanwhile, in a world of need, people have homes.
They're being built.
Would your preferred course of action have resulted in that being done?
I think not...someone would still be writing a submission document.....
I think Anonymous at 2.47am rightly points out how badly Nairn aea committee and Area Manager has performed over the recent carbunckels
ReplyDeleteNairn Community Councils have not had a very good record over the past, but they did well here to expose the sheer arrogance of Area committee secret meetings and their own HC process failures.
Hopefully Area committee will see a whole new set of elected members come May and not a return of past members with their own agendas and failings.
I hope voters don't get fooled by councillors in the local may election standing as independent (forming a rather arrogant party of dictators) rather than true independents
ReplyDeleteI would prefer we just got a group of councillors who had the interests of the people of Nairn, and the town, at their hearts.
Politicisation of local councils hasn't proven to be a particularly good model.....
I have to agree with anon of 7.59. I am an SNP supporter but have been less than impressed by the performance of the SNP on Highland Council. My first choice will most likey be for an Independent candidate but not one of the existing ones should they stand again.
ReplyDelete8.43 ..... Sadly, the SNP group on the Council were ousted by a cabal of unionist/independent councillors. Highland Council definitely works better when in alignment with Holyrood. Green or SNP in May.
ReplyDelete12.05pm - Maybe Nairn works better when the Community Councils work in alignment with the Highland Council!
ReplyDelete12.05
ReplyDeleteIt does appear to work well in other parts of Highland