NEWS / INFORMATION
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Subject: Highland Place Standard Tool
On Wednesday 20 March 2024, The Highland Council will launch the Highland Place Standard Tool to the public.
What is the aim of the Highland Place Standard Tool?
The Highland Place Standard Tool is a major survey that encourages people to describe their experiences of living, working, visiting and investing in Highland, to help plan for its future. Its aim is to provide us with valuable input to a range of work streams. This includes evidence for the Highland Local Development Plan, as well as informing the Highland Outcome Improvement Plan, place plans and day to day service delivery. The Council will also share anonymised analysis with suitably registered community groups who want to develop proposals for better places, to agree priorities, and to take action.
What is the Highland Place Standard Tool?
It is an online survey that is based on the national Place Standard Tool.
Who is invited to use the tool, to take the survey?
Everyone who lives, works, visits or invests in Highland! It can be completed by individuals or by groups. We have intentionally based the Highland survey on one of the shorter versions of the national Place Standard tool, to encourage as many people as possible to participate. Also, responses to the survey will be treated anonymously.
How can the Highland Place Standard Tool be accessed, how can people take the survey?
It will be able to be accessed through www.highland.gov.uk/yourplacehighland or via our new Highland Local Development Plan webpage www.highland.gov.uk/hldp
Where can questions about Highland’s Place Standard tool, survey be directed to?
Questions can be directed to the Council’s Development Plans Team on hldp@highland.gov.uk or by phone through the Service Centre on 01349 886608.
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Media Release from The Highland Council
12 December 2023
Pavement Parking Ban comes into force across the Highlands
The Highland Council's parking enforcement team are reminding drivers that since yesterday (11 December 2023), the Transport (Scotland) Act 2019 has prohibited pavement parking, double parking, and parking at dropped kerbs and anyone caught can face a £100 fine.
Chair of the Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee, Cllr Ken Gowans is also highlighting the dangers that such parking poses to pavement users.
He said: “Pavement parking is unsafe, unfair and now illegal. Many people face daily difficulties with pavement parking. It is dangerous and frustrating, especially for those with impairments or limited mobility. It can force people to take unnecessary risks. For example, people using wheelchairs and buggies or prams without access to dropped kerbs can be forced onto the road, risking their safety.
“Even if you think you’ve left enough space or won’t be there for long, don’t fall foul of the new law and risk being fined. Our parking enforcement team have provided details on the council website, and I urge all drivers to make themselves familiar with the new regulations. We hope everyone will consider others and there will limited need for enforcement.”
Anyone parking on a pavement risks a fine of £100, or £50 if they pay it within 14 days.
The team have provided information on our rollout of enforcement on the Council’s website - https://www.highland.gov.uk/pavementparkingban
Members of the public can report any parking issue anywhere in the Highlands via this link - https://self.highland.gov.uk/service/Report_a_parking_issue
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This reminder to drivers was sent in to Culcabock and Drakies Community Council site. The resident was crossing Mason road at its junction with Old Edinburgh Road and was almost hit by a car which failed to give him priority.
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Click to View: Free webinar: How to avoid The 12 Scams of Christmas | AbilityNet
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Easy ways to protect your home and save water & energy this winter
CLICK ON IMAGE BELOW
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We received a message today, from a concerned resident, which I am sharing here.
"Hi there, I stay in Mason Road. Thought it might be an idea to make you aware that there are what I believe to be bogus workmen going door to door in the area today.
They are claiming to be roofers, advising of issues with your roof, mine is fine it was completely false. Might catch some folk unaware though."
Drakies is a Cold Call Control Zone and we have signs displaying this throughout the estate. To report Cold Callers Ring Trading Standards 01463 228700 with as much details about them/their transport etc. as you can. Of course if you feel threatened in any way please call your local Police on 101 or in an emergency always call 999.
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Become a Community Councillor - we need new members to join us. We are looking for people who are proactive, enthusiastic and have a desire to be involved.
For more information visit: www.highland.gov.uk/communitycouncils
Culcabock and Drakies Community Council
Notice of Community Council Election
Community Councils are voluntary organisations that express the views and
concerns of local people within their area across a wide range of issues from new
buildings and roads to local services and facilities. The scheme for the establishment
of Community Councils can be downloaded from The Highland Council website.
Nominations are being invited from people seeking to be elected as members of
Community Councils for a four-year term in The Highland Council area.
If you want to support your local community, please consider standing for your
Community Council. To qualify you must be 16 years of age or over (by the date of
the close of nominations), be registered as an elector on the local government
electoral register and resident of the community council area.
The community council’s welcome residents locally to get involved and are looking
for people to put themselves forward. All you must do is check you are eligible to be
elected and complete the online form available on the council’s website
www.highland.gov/ccelections and submit this form by not later than 12noon on
Tuesday 3 October 2023. If you need any assistance, please contact 01349
886657 or email ccelection@highland.gov.uk
Elections will only take place on Monday 27 November 2023 where the number of
valid Nominations exceeds the membership number of the relevant Community
Council.
Be the Voice of Your Community as they
need you!
Kate Lackie,
Returning Officer,
The Highland Council,
Council Headquarters,
Glenurquhart Road,
INVERNESS IV3 5N
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IMPORTANT NOTICE
Perth Road - resurfacing 25/06/23 - 30/06/23
The work consists of removal of the top layer of road surface and installation of a brand new HRA road surface. This work has to completed under a Road Closure due to the type of surface being installed and the machinery/plant required to undertake the work. We are planning to undertake these works during off-peak/night time hours due to the volume of traffic using the road during the day. These working hours are intended to be between 1900 hours and 0700 hours with the road being opened up to traffic out with these working hours. It is our intention, due to the few residential properties within the general works area, to cease the scarifying (noisiest part of the operation) at 2330 at the latest each night to minimise noise disruption where possible.
We plan to remove the surface on night 1 and resurface on night 2 for each section below;
Phase 1, Red – Sunday 25th/Monday 26th
Phase 2, Green – Tuesday 27th/Wednesday 28th
Phase 3, Blue – Thursday 29th
Friday 30th will be used to replace the white lines, roundabout markings and yellow box markings at Raigmore Avenue junction.
I appreciate that these works are likely to cause a lot of disruption, however, we have endeavoured to plan them in a way which keeps that disruption to a minimum.
Alasdair Brown
Senior Technician
Highland Council
Roads and Transport
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Today 28th May 2023:
THE PROPOSED CHANGES TO ENTRANCES AND EXITS TO OUR DRAKIES ESTATE AS DETAILED BELOW, in blue text, IS STILL UNDER CONSIDERATION AND YOUR OBJECTIONS TO THIS PROPOSAL CAN STILL BE SENT IN AND WE WOULD ADVISE SOONER RATHER THAN LATER. You can read your Community Councils objection letter in the library page on our website - Click this link for the Library tab. This will give you more information too.
--- Include the planning application reference number 22/06197/FUL
Include your name and your home address (the street name if you prefer not to give full address)
You must say that you ‘OBJECT’ to the development, not just ‘concerned’, for the following reasons…….You then need to list your objections and send to:
Highland Council Council Planning Department, for the attention of the Case Officer John Kelly,
Town House
High Street
Inverness
IV1 1JJ
Reference
22/06197/FUL
Alternative Reference
100592699-001
Application Received
Thu 22 Dec 2022
Application Validated
Fri 20 Jan 2023
Address
Land 95M NW Of Tesco Store Inshes Retail Park Inverness
Proposal
Road improvements: formation of 3 no. new accesses from the B9006 as part of the Inshes Junction Improvements Phase 2 scheme. New access to Drumossie Avenue, the Inshes Police Station and the Dell of Inshes Retail Park, Stopping up of accesses at 4 points including 2 from the B9006 Old Perth Road to the U4256 Old Perth Road and 2 at Dell of Inshes
Status
Under Consideration
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Spring Clean 2023 - 17 March - 17 April
Help us to tackle the Litter Emergency and sign up for our Spring Clean. We're looking for schools, businesses, local authorities, communities and individuals to carry out a litter pick in Scotland and make a difference in your community. Visit http://ow.ly/ZyP150MP7OS for more information.
If anyone in the community is keen to take part in a Spring Clean then community support available. If any of the communities or organisations require black bags, gloves or a load of litter pickers for any up and coming clean ups get in touch. (The same support applies for any community initiative that runs without a direct connection to National Spring Clean.)
We're facing a #LitterEmergency in Scotland and we’re inviting you to encourage youths to take part in our new Litter League. This is an opportunity for young people across Scotland to not only take part in cleaning up Scotland but to compete against each other to find out who is a #SpringCleanScotland champion!
There are seven awards available:
National Spring Clean Champion
Aberdeen and North - East Spring Clean Champion
Tayside, Central and Fife Spring Clean Champion
Glasgow and Strathclyde Spring Clean Champion
Edinburgh and Lothian Spring Clean Champion
Highlands and Islands Spring Clean Champion
Scotland South Spring Clean Champion
NOTE: Only clean ups taking place between 13 March and 31 March will be counted as entries for the Litter League awards.
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Criminals are experts at The Art Of Impersonation – convincingly pretending to be acting on behalf of the police.
On Thursday 23 February 2023 an elderly Aberdeen resident received a telephone call from a female (NFD) who claimed to be calling on behalf of Police Scotland.
The caller asked who lived at the home address and how old they were, advising that as they were between 60 and 80 years old they would qualify for a free home security system and this would only require an annual maintenance cost.
Following a further call, a well-dressed male attended at the address, who was confronted by the resident’s family. The male could not provide any ID. A call to Police Scotland confirmed that there was no such scheme.
North East Division Crime Reduction Officer Constable Irvine said: “We urge people to remain vigilant to criminals making contact by telephone in an attempt to separate them from their money. Do not entertain anyone who contacts you by telephone and directs you to free schemes, free CCTV or to transfer money to a different bank account. If you believe you have been a victim of a telephone scam, contact Police Scotland on 101”
The Police or your bank will never ask you to transfer money to a safe account or contact you to ask for your full PINs, passwords or passcodes. They also do not provide security systems with annual fees payable.
If you receive a request asking for money, follow Take Five Stop Fraud’s advice and Stop Challenge Protect.
HOW TO SPOT IMPERSONATION FRAUD
· You receive a call, text, email or DM with an urgent request for your personal or financial information, to make a payment or move money
· You receive a message from a friend or family member requesting financial assistance often with an urgent reason such as them being stranded overseas or requiring medical help
· You’re pressured to act immediately. The caller pressures you to rush causing a level of panic. Texts or messages may include a ‘hook’ to grab your attention, for example the criminal might say your money is at risk and you need to act to save it, or suggest you will get a reward if you do what they ask
· You’re asked to transfer money to another account for ‘safe-keeping’
· You’re asked to purchase high value goods/vouchers to cover the cost of fines. They might also ask you pay a bill for tax or utilities or provide financial details to receive a rebate
· You’re asked for cash or a payment as part of a police investigation or told money in your account needs to be analysed as part of an ongoing investigation
· The sender’s email address is ever so slightly different to that of the genuine sender
More information can be found here on Take Five.
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Highland Council and SSE Renewables team up to offer support to those facing extreme fuel poverty
Highland Council and SSE Renewables are joining forces to help Highland households facing extreme fuel poverty make energy saving adaptations to their homes. The Cost-of-Living Crisis is having a devastating impact on households across Highland. Scottish Government figures indicate 33% of households in Highland are experiencing fuel poverty, compared to the national average of 24%. Figures also estimate that 22% of Highland households are facing extreme fuel poverty.Due to rising costs in energy prices, it is anticipated that these figures will increase significantly. For example, 62% of the properties currently signed up for the 2022/23 air source heat pump programme are classed as ‘extreme fuel poor’.
Highland Council has been delivering the Scottish Government’s Energy Efficient Scotland – Area Based Scheme for over nine years, which offers households the opportunity to benefit from grant funded innovative, energy efficiency measures, which have the potential to improve people’s living conditions.
The scheme has this week received vital grant support from SSE Renewables Highland Sustainable Development Fund, which will provide additional funds to reduce or remove entirely householder contributions for those in extreme fuel poverty.
The SSE Renewable fund is part of the organisation’s commitment to the Scottish Government’s Good Practice Principals for Community Benefits from Onshore Wind. SSE re-invest part of the profits from wind farms back into local communities.
The Sustainable Development Fund supports strategic projects across the Highland local authority area and allows SSE to direct support to projects that can achieve significant impact in local communities.
The Fund has offered Highland Council £1m of grant funding to be spent over 2022/23 and 2023/24 with the option to extend funding to 2024/25 if necessary. The funding will be used exclusively to support Highland households in extreme fuel poverty.
The EES:ABS grant and new funding will be used to reduce/remove household contributions on a range of energy efficiency measures including:
Air Source Heat Pump
Cavity Wall Insulation
Loft Insulation
External Wall Insulation
Solar PV and battery
While the programme adopts a fabric first approach, the 2022/23 programme has a particular focus on installation of air source heat pumps and also encouraging householders to consider Cavity Wall, Loft Insulation and solar panels and battery storage.
Funding from Scottish Government grant covers the cost of the installation, in the most part, although some works may require a household contribution to meet the shortfall between installation cost and funding available. This is where the SSE Renewables Grant can help those experiencing extreme fuel poverty.
The Scottish Government grant is available for owner occupiers and private rented properties subject to eligibility (see table below), grant funding cannot be used to cover installation costs for social properties (either Council or Registered Landlord).
The Council is encouraging households to apply for its Energy Efficient Scotland: Area Based Scheme (EES:ABS) as part of plans to ease fuel poverty in the region.
Without EES:ABS there is currently no other long-term support to households in fuel poverty and those vulnerable to living with the effects of a cold home.
Leader of Highland Council, Cllr Raymond Bremner said: “Highland is experiencing some of the highest levels of fuel poverty in Scotland. It is crucial that we encourage as many people as possible to sign up to the Energy Efficient Scotland – Area Based Scheme to benefit from grant funding to carry out energy efficiency improvements to their homes, improving comfort levels and attempt to minimise the impact of rising fuel costs.
“We are delighted to announce the arrival of grant support from SSE Renewables which, through the area-based scheme, will help us deliver efficiency savings to those households most in need.”
Cllr Bremner also highlighted that the scheme is open to all owner occupier and privately rented properties who meet eligibility criteria and encouraged members of the public to make inquiries about the scheme.
He added: “One of the key issues we have faced to date is a lack of sign-ups for the scheme. We are encouraging local members to promote this scheme through their ward meetings to highlight its many benefits.”
He added: “On top of the financial savings the scheme also delivers significant carbon savings and enables householders to meet the challenges of climate change and improve properties energy efficiency rating in accordance with Scottish Government targets.”
Chair of the Sustainable Development Fund, Lord Jack McConnell said: “The Sustainable Development Fund is focused on creating lasting transformation in the Highlands. The £1 million investment in improving energy efficiency for Highland households is the largest donation made by the fund. The funding will help many vulnerable residents benefit from warm, sustainable homes for years to come.”
The programme, on average, has annual carbon savings of 20,897 tonnes (pre-COVID figure), making a significant contribution to a low carbon Highland.
Over the last nine years the scheme has leveraged around £34 million of external funding to the Highlands to deliver energy efficiency measures to over 3,100 privately owned and privately rented properties throughout the Highlands.
For details on how to sign up for the programme visit Highland Council’s dedicated webpage. Alternatively, you can email EES-ABS@highland.gov.uk for further information or telephone Home Energy Scotland for free on 0808 808 2282 for impartial energy advice, to discuss funding options currently available and assess your eligibility for the scheme.
The below table outlines current measures available under Highland Council’s Energy Efficient Scotland: Area Based Scheme (EES:ABS) and the eligibility criteria.
A new video explains more about the EES:ABS - https://youtu.be/K26ohIHbCFY
All the best
Councillor Isabelle MacKenzie
Millburn Ward Inverness
07787 007816
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Dear Community Groups and Community Councils,
We would like communities to help shape ‘Our Future Highland’ by contributing their values, views, ideas, and dreams of how they think Highland could look and feel like by 2027.
Communities and their people are our biggest asset and play a vital role in change going forward, community groups and community councils are at the heart of the Highlands, and we must ensure that as part of ‘Our Future Highland’ development process that we work collaboratively to gather insight from people and place.
As the Council under its new Administration develops priorities and inspirational change over the next 5 years, we would like to include the shared values that are most important to all generations living across Highland.
Task – Please complete the survey here: https://forms.office.com/r/63qXsjp01t where people can add their ideas on how they envisage ‘Our Future Highland’ could look like by 2027.
E.g – I’d like Our Future Highland by 2027 to have more spaces/communal gardens/parks for intergenerational use, to enable people of all ages to interact in a casual and relaxed way, share ideas and knowledge and help support each other through life.
We really appreciate your support in collating this part of the engagement process and ask that you complete the survey by 11th November.
Please email ourfuture@highland.gov.uk if you have any questions.
Yours sincerely
Donna Manson
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https://www.myjobscotland.gov.uk/councils/highland-council/job
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***COMMUNITY POLICING ROADSHOW***
Officers from your local Community Policing Team and where available Local Councillors/Housing officers will be out and about and invite you to meet us at the following locations to discuss any local policing issues or concerns that you may have.
Tuesday 18th January 2022
09.30 – 10.30 hrs – Charleston Shopping Complex Car Park , General Booth Road
11.00-1200 hrs – Skate Park, Bught Road.
1300-1400hrs – Merkinch Community Centre, Coronation Park.
Wednesday 19th January 2022
09.30hrs-10.30hrs – Rear car park at Culloden Shopping Centre, Keppoch Road.
11.00 – 12.00 hrs – Outside Scotmid, Raigmore Estate
1300 – 1400 hrs – Community Centre Car Park, Hilton
Officers will be utilising the mobile incident van should you have any private matters you wish to discuss in confidence. Social distancing will be adhered to and face masks/hand gel will be available.
Due to the nature of our jobs we may have to leave at short notice. Your understanding of this is greatly appreciated.
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Know the gritting policy for your area
Check out the maps at www.highland.gov.uk/gritting
The Highland Council’s winter gritting programme starts this week on Thursday 14 October and will continue until 14 April 2022.
During this time the Council will monitor road and weather conditions across its road network. We will respond with a winter fleet of 105 gritters, 42 footpath tractors, 1 snowblower and over 200 staff. We spread around 50,000 tonnes of salt on Highland roads and pavements in a typical winter as well as topping up over 1,750 grit bins.
The Council has adequate salt stocks for the start of the main winter season and has no concerns about the future provision of salt deliveries.
Leader of Highland Council, Cllr Margaret Davidson, said:“Our salt stockpiles are in place to ensure we have enough to service as much of the region as possible. If people think there is a need for a new grit bin in their area, please don’t wait until it snows or gets icy – please apply now.”
As in previous years, Highland Council is offering assistance to communities who wish to take action in their own area to help clear snow and ice from footpaths. We will provide salt in either bins or heaps, snow shovels and pushers, gloves and hi-vis vests and health and safety advice to volunteers. Full guidance and an application form can be found on the Council’s website. For further information visit www.highland.gov.uk/gritting
The winter roads maintenance budget is around £5 million annually which is used to look after the 6,766km of roads for which the Council has responsibility.
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This further document has been sent to Colin Howell, Head of Infrastructure by our Community Council re. the proposed Inshes Corridor Improvements and it's impact on Drakies. Please access this document here via this LINK
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This is a letter sent by our Community Council re. the proposed Inshes Corridor Improvements and it's impact on Drakies.
20 July, 2021.
Ms. Donna Manson,
Chief Executive,
Highland Council,
Glenurquhart Road,
INVERNESS.
IV3 5NX.
Dear Ms Manson,
INSHES CORRIDOR IMPROVEMENTS
Issues arising for the Consultation on the Inshes Roundabout
and the impact on Drakies.
Many people, particularly those most directly affected, have considerable concerns and anxiety regarding the entire consultation process and lack of meaningful engagement on the Inshes Roundabout.
Many have strong reservations about the entire means of communications, both from the Highland Council to the public and the process used for how the public are supposed to reply to the Council.
There is a strong suspicion that what is perceived as a lack of clarity of the option to link to the Eagle Roundabout across and through Drakies park, through the cul-de-sac and joining the main Drumossie Avenue immediately opposite the entrance to Drakies school is such that many do not properly understand what is exactly being proposed.
Many people who have tried to reply through the intended route have found considerable difficulties and frustrations as the system is not user friendly.
Those who are fully aware of the implications of what is being proposed are completely shocked and taken aback that such an option can be seriously considered.
They find it difficult to find any merit in the proposal that would funnel all the traffic to a 90-degree junction immediately opposite the main entrance to Drakies Primary School, along what is presently a cul-de-sac and then drive a new road across what is presently Drakies Play Park.
Those who are aware of this proposal are amazed that the Highland Council Road engineers involved appear to be completely contradicting all the existing norms and good practice used around schools, open space, parks and residential areas.
This proposal would completely undermine guidance and good practice to encourage Safer Routes to School, particularly for parents trying to encourage their children to walk or cycle to school.
Existing open green space which is the main park and exercise space for Drakies would be decimated.
The main play park in Drakies, which the community fund raised nearly £100,000 to equip would be surrounded by extremely busy roads.
The amenity of a quiet residential area would be completely ruined.
The Drakies and Culcabock Community is pleading with Highland Council to halt this entire process
The Highland Council needs to recognise that over recent years considerable anxiety and concern has been created in the Drakies Community by what many believe to be ill thought out and illogical planning and communications.
The advice given by road engineers in the recent Drakies House development left those directly affected with little confidence that some within Highland Council had their best interests at heart. A similar sense of disbelief now prevails within the community at what is being proposed immediately outside their primary school, a quiet cul-de-sac, and the unbelievable plans to drive a road through their precious open space parkland and through their playpark.
There is disbelief at the reasoning behind the complete destruction of the amenity of a considerable part of Drakies and those directly involved do not see that it will resolve the traffic issues at Inshes roundabout – what is supposed to be the driver for these comprehensive proposals
Even if a vast improvement at the Inshes roundabout was possible by this means, the impact on the people of Drakies would be completely unacceptable.
Yours sincerely,
Inshes Corridor Improvements
Please submit feedback/comments using the question boxes by 17:00 on Tuesday 27th July 2021.
https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/9ae972ecde034516b36d0d630699b4df
The telephone contact number has been changed and the new number 01349886601 is highlighted below
People are invited to have their say in an online consultation on designs proposals aimed at improving the Inshes junction and its surrounding transport corridor in Inverness.
The area included in the ‘corridor’ includes the eastern approach to the Inshes roundabout on the B9006 across the A9 flyover; access to Inshes retail park; Sir Walter Scott Drive (north and south) of Inshes roundabout and the B9006 Old Perth Road to the Fluke Junction - fronting Raigmore Hospital.
Members of Highland Council’s City of Inverness Area Committee have agreed that the Council will proceed with public consultation on options to improve Inshes Junction and the surrounding transport corridor.
Due to ongoing COVID-19 restrictions, an interactive website will provide all relevant information and provide the opportunity for people to comment on the proposals. The consultation, which went live from 1 June , is available at this link. The Council will also arrange a series of meetings to engage with directly affected communities, businesses and other stakeholders.
Provost of Inverness and Area Cllr Helen Carmichael said: “It is clear that with the impact of the pandemic and the shift of national transport policy to support sustainable transport over private car use - the Council’s capital programme investments in Inshes junction and corridor need to change to deliver a modern transport network that meets the needs of all users.
“These proposed changes require the Council to consult with the public, therefore I urge anyone who lives and works in or travels through Inshes junction area to make sure that you have your say and take part in the online consultation.”
If Covid-19 restrictions allow, face to face meetings will be arranged and advertised by the Council.
For anyone without online access - information will be available by post by phoning the Council’s Service Centre on 01349 886601.
Results of the public consultation will be reported back to a future meeting of the Council’s City of Inverness Area Committee.
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This disability access path with dropped kerbing on Old Perth Road has now been completed.
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It's lovely to see so many Christmas lights in gardens and in windows throughout Drakies. I'm sure it's bringing joy to both children and adults alike. Will we see a lot more homes lighting up in the next couple of weeks?
It will of course be a different Christmas for a lot of people this year with many families not able to get together on Christmas day. However, if we have faith and believe that the New Year 2021 will be better, then we can bear the hardships of today.
Warmest thoughts and best wishes to you all this Christmas.
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Public Safety Information
Please Click Here to Read
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Inverness gardener cuts council grass to cheer up residents during Coronavirus pandemic
An Inverness gardener has tidied up a piece of community land to cheer up residents.
Neil Nicolson, of Greenscape Garden Services, sought permission from Highland Council to cut the grass in Drakies after the local authority suspended the service during the lockdown.
Mr Nicolson said: "I live in Drakies and I regularly go past the grass on Sycamore Crescent, just off Drumossie Avenue, and I saw that it was needing to be cut.
"There are a lot of elderly residents in the area, and I thought that it might cheer them up to see that the grass had been cut."
He added: "I wanted to do something for the community here. I thought this would be a nice gesture, and I have all the tools and equipment including the ride-on mower."
After doing the job, one of the residents came out with a gift of beer for Mr Nicholson.
He said: "It is just nice to see that people appreciate it. I will do it another couple of times if it needs it, before the Highland Council staff can get to it."
Inverness Millburn ward councillor Isabelle MacKenzie said she welcomed Mr Nicolson's initiative. She said: "It is great that Neil saw that it needed to be done, got the permission and did the work. It is clear that these are going to be very different times for the council so by helping out Neil has done the very best for his community."
"Thank you Neil."
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The Garden Waste Collection Service is starting again on Monday 11th May 2020. You can check your collection date here https://www.highland.gov.uk/gardenwaste
Current 2019/2020 permits which were valid until the 30 June 2020 are now valid until the end of August 2020
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Keeping in Touch
It's so important for our mental health to keep in touch. but there's no reason why we can't stay connected online. There are good apps available to download.
The BBC has a guide to on-line video calling here:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-51968122
WhatsApp- this app for Android smartphones lets you send messages and pictures and make voice or video calls to anyone else who uses WhatsApp. You can also set up group chats with family or groups of friends. It’s free of charge, provided your smartphone is connected to WiFi or you have enough data allowance. You can use this to talk to people abroad free of charge. Download the app from the link below:
https://www.whatsapp.com/
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Mental Health and Wellbeing - Many of us are feeling worried or stressed about how coronavirus could affect our lives, as well as our loved ones. You can get help from the Scottish Association for Mental Health by going onto their website.
https://www.samh.org.uk/about-mental-health/self-help-and-wellbeing/coronavirus-information-hub
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Highland Council Garden Waste Permits Garden waste permits can be purchased on-line at www.highland.gov.uk/gardenwaste. Up to 3 permits per household are permitted. Permits can also be ordered by calling the Highland Council’s Service Centre on 01349 886603 or in person at Highland Council Service Points.
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Winter maintenance plan 2018/2019 approved for Inverness
Across the Inverness area there are 17 gritters available and 10 footpath tractors and a team of 44 staff are involved in delivering winter maintenance. The average annual usage of salt is approximately 10,000 tonnes.
Provost and Leader of Inverness, Councillor Helen Carmichael said: “While Staff work extremely hard to provide the best possible winter service the Council has limited resources and cannot grit every road in the area. That is why we have approved a list of priority routes for treatment.
“If your street or neighbourhood is not on the gritting map we offer help to communities who wish to take action in their own areas to help clear snow and ice from footpaths. You can apply through your Community Council for help and the council will provide salt/grit bins, scrapers and reflective waistcoats to allow an enhanced level of service. We would need a team of conscientious volunteers to make this work for us and our less able residents. I urge people to think about this now and to apply as soon as possible before winter is upon us."
She added: “We welcome the assurance given by the Director of Community Services at the recent Environment, Development and Infrastructure Committee that a formal escalation procedure will be adopted when severe conditions are forecast or experienced. Footpaths in Inverness were affected severely last winter with freezing conditions and we hope that the assurance given of immediate mobilisation of all available manual staff across Community Services to assist will prevent this re-occurring.”
Details of the Inverness Area priority routes and winter services information will be published on the council’s website at: http://www.highland.gov.uk/gritting
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COLD CALL CONTROL ZONE
Culcabock and Drakies Community Council in conjunction with Highland Council Trading Standards, Police Scotland and your local Ward Councillors are actively looking towards establishing a Cold Call Control Zone for the whole of the Community Council area. Initially we will be distributing a questionnaire to all residents. This video will give further information on a CCCZ.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tvz3rytArMU
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Winter Resilience Community Aid / We offer help to communities who wish to take action in their own areas to help clear snow and ice from footpaths - this is an offer/suggestion which the Highland Council publish on their website in August.
This is a quote from the website.
'Whilst the Council operates a fleet of over 40 footpath gritting tractors, we acknowledge that resources are insufficient to clear every path. We recognise that communities may themselves be able to treat a more extensive path network, earlier.'
Unfortunately it is now too late to implement this Scheme within Drakies for this Winter. But how amazing would it be if someone in the Community could come forward and use their organisational skills to compile a list of volunteers over the summer months. If you are out there please contact one of your Community Councillors or come along to one of our meetings. We your Community Council, will do all we can to help and support this.
https://www.highland.gov.uk/info/20005/roads_and_pavements/99/roads_information/7
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23 November 2017
Return of unwanted brown bins
The Highland Council’s chargeable garden waste brown bin collection service started on 3rd July 2017 and to date approximately 32,000 garden waste brown bin permits have been purchased. This accounts for 48% of households that previously received the Garden Waste Collection Service.
The Council is now implementing the process of collecting unwanted brown bins from households who do not wish to use the garden waste service and want their bins removed.
Unwanted brown bins will be collected over a 2 week period from Monday 4th December 2017 to Friday 15th December 2017. Householders need to check which day their bin will be collected by going to the Highland Council website www.highland.gov.uk/gardenwaste or calling 01349 886603.
Brown bins should be empty before collection and householders should refrain from returning their brown bin, if they think they may need to use the Garden Waste Collection Service in the future. Empty brown bins will also be accepted at our Recycling Centres.
Householders can still take their garden waste along to their local Recycling Centre free of charge. Householders are also encouraged to compost garden waste at home wherever possible.
Sylvia Tarrant
Corporate Communications Officer
The Highland Council, Chief Executive Service
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Planning and Design – Design Team 3 Major Transport Infrastructure Projects
Buchanan House, 58 Port Dundas Road,
Glasgow, G4 0HF
Direct Line: 0141 272 7294
a9a96-inshes-smithton@transport.gov.scot
By Email Our ref: B2103500/TR/SH/
Date: 18 October 2017
Dear Sir/Madam,
A9/A96 Inshes to Smithton Preferred Option Public Exhibitions
As you will be aware, Transport Scotland has been progressing with the options assessment for the A9/A96 Inshes to Smithton scheme taking into account the vital feedback received during the public events held in August 2016.
On 31 October 2017, Transport Scotland will announce the Preferred Option for the scheme. To coincide with this announcement, a series of public exhibitions are being held in Inshes and Smithton. These events will provide an opportunity for members of the public to view our plans for the route and provide feedback.
I would like to invite you to attend either of the preferred option exhibitions, details of which are provided below:
Tuesday 31 October 2017 – 12 noon to 7 pm Inshes Church, Inshes Retail Park, Sir Walter Scott Drive, Inverness, IV2 3TW
Wednesday 1 November 2017 – 12 noon to 7 pm Smithton-Culloden Free Church, Murray Road, Smithton, Inverness, IV2 7YU
Representatives from Transport Scotland and our consultant, Jacobs UK Ltd, will be in attendance at the public exhibitions to answer any questions surrounding the scheme proposals. Representatives from The Highland Council will also be in attendance to provide an update on progress with their Inverness East Development Plan and Inshes Junction improvements.
The information panels being displayed at the exhibitions and further details of the proposed scheme including the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (DMRB) Stage 2 Report will be available on the project website from 12 noon on 31 October 2017 at the following link: https://www.transport.gov.scot/projects/a9a96-inshes-to-smithton/
I look forward to seeing you if you come along.
Yours faithfully
Craig Cameron
Project Manager
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Residents have raised concerns re. an increase in dog fouling on pavements, in our parks and in other green areas in and around our estate. There is no excuse for not picking up after their pets and dog owners face fixed penalty fines of £40 for this inconsiderate act. This rises to £60 if not paid within 28 days and possible conviction and a fine of up to £500 if this remains unpaid. NOTE: From 1st April the fine for dog owners who fail to pick up after their dog will rise from £40 to £80 , bringing it into line with the fine for other types of littering.
To read the full article go to: http://www.highland.gov.uk/news/article/9365/dog_fouling_fine_doubles
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PARKING ON PAVEMENTS
Parking on the pavement is likely to cause a grave danger to pedestrians. In particular it creates hazards for people with disabilities and poses particular difficulties for the blind and those with other visual impairments. It affects older people who may use a walking aid, and therefore need more space; those with a wheelchair or a mobility scooter; those with prams or pushchairs and our children. There should be absolutely no reason to have to go into the road to get past parked cars. We are fortunate to have good driveways taking 2 or more cars - It is not difficult to 'swap' the cars around in the driveway so please show consideration to our pedestrians.
This growing concern is not only dangerous but is unsightly and reduces the tight management of the streets i.e. cleaning, snow clearing etc. which is a key to preserving a high quality street environment - and over time it is damaging to the pavement structure.
20's Plenty for Us.........make your place a better place to be
Lower speeds in residential roads is a "win win" policy.
Slower speeds will help
*improve road safety
*encourage walking and cycling
*reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions
*reduce noise