Pavement upgrade underway

THE NEXT stage of the Forres High Street pavement upgrade got underway this week.

Replacement of the southside footpath from the Cumming Street junction to Castlehill Road follows work already completed at the east end of town.

The works will replace the existing concrete footways with coloured concrete block paving, continuing the red/grey theme originally agreed with Forres Community Council.

A “No Waiting At Any Time” restriction along the frontage of St Laurence Church will be imposed from Monday to November 9.

“It is good to see that the paving is being replaced as it becomes necessary,” said local councillor, George Alexander.

“However, I do appreciate that there may be some inconvenience to any funerals or weddings at St Laurence Church during the period.

“The parking restriction is to allow us to erect traffic light control on the northern side of High Street, whilst we continue our phased programme of upgrading.”

The restriction covers the full length between Gordon Street and the pelican crossing. The pelican crossing will be switched off whilst traffic lights are in place.

The south side of the carriageway will be the safe working zone/works site for the footway works.

“Similar parking restrictions have been implemented on other phases of the footway works on Forres High Street,” added Cllr Alexander.

“We believe this is less disruptive than full closure of High Street over the works site.

“At this stage we intend to do the footway works in two sections centred on Warden Place.”

Reverend Barry Boyd has confirmed that the construction of the new footpath will cause minimal disruption of St Laurence Church proceedings.

Moray Council wishes to apologise for any inconvenience caused and would advise motorists and pedestrians to exercise extra care in the area during these works.