Moray Council seeking feedback on active travel route proposals for Forres
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
MORAY Council is canvassing opinion on proposed upgrades to the active travel network in Forres.
A number of studies including Forres 2020 Vision, Forres Active Travel Audit, Moray Council Active Travel Route Feasibility Study for Forres, and Moray Local Development Plan 2020 have identified routes which would enhance the walking and cycling network in the town.
A local authority spokesperson confirmed the scheme was identified by analysing where people are walking and cycling from to get to the town's schools.
He explained: "The footbridge across the Burn of Mosset was replaced by Springfield Properties in early 2020 as part of their planning obligations to provide a suitable link to Forres Academy from new developments in the south of Forres.
"An opportunity arose for the council to further enhance the route to Forres Academy and Applegrove School through a funding application to Sustrans.
"Also, when building the cycle track along Sanquar Road beside Applegrove Primary School and through Roysvale Park to Forres Academy, there were a number of requests to upgrade the path from Applegrove to Roysvale Terrace and the tennis court path."
As a result, and with the new connection to Fleurs Place, Moray Council and Sustrans is now proposing: widening the path along Burdshaugh from the new bridge towards Forres Academy for people walking and cycling; narrowing the road at the end of the bridge, to allow drivers on Burdshaugh a view of cyclists; widening and improving the drainage on the path along the boundary of Applegrove, from Sanquhar Road to Roysvale Terrace; improving the crossing on Castle Street where the path from Roysvale Terrace crosses; widening the pavement and providing a cycle track in front of Forres Academy on Burdshaugh so the main road will be Burdsyard Road into Castle Street with Burdshaugh being narrowed and parking bays provided outside the houses; widening the path outside the four houses opposite the Academy on Burdsyard Road, joining to the path already widened on Sanquhar Road, for cycling and walking.
The local authority also seeking ideas on what the community would like Burdshaugh to look like, as it has few pavements between Sharpe's Place and Orchard Road.
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the consultation is being carried out virtually. This can be done via an online response form and there will be virtual public information drop-in sessions on Tuesday, May 4 between 3pm and 5pm with a team available to answer questions and take suggestions. The drop-ins will be held on Microsoft Teams and can be booked by emailing roadsafety@moray.gov.uk.
Feedback on this scheme is welcomed by 5pm on Monday, May 10.
