Forres Active Travel group investing award from Berry Burn Community Fund in Grant Park project

Natural energy has funded the first step towards making a popular walking and cycling route safer.

Active Travel Forres (ATF) has used £1230 from the Berry Burn wind farm Community Fund for a topographical survey ahead of improving the entrance to Grant Park from St Leonard’s Road.

ATF founder, Judith Binney, confirmed the survey was carried out on March 14, and the group hope to have the report soon.

She said: “The survey helps us get the long process started. It will provide detailed measurements showing all the land heights, slopes gradients and the services below ground. With this information, we can commission drawings of the changes that need to be made.”

ATF is dedicated to improving transport links for pedestrians and cyclists. Last year, it suggested lowering the wall at the entrance so that walkers and cyclists have a clear view of what is approaching. Also, removing speed barriers erected at the site more than 30 years ago.

“Placing the wall a little further into the park could also be beneficial,” said Judith, “as the footpath is very narrow at that point.

“There should also be a soakaway and soil collection point to stop water flowing flowing from the hill onto St Leonard’s Road, which currently makes the entrance muddy and blocks the drain.

“While retaining the wall’s character, these improvements will improve the ease of use while preventing surprises.

“Having gentler slopes and a firmer surface will help decrease wheelspin on mobility scooters and toddler’s cycles too.”

Once ATF have the survey results, they will try to raise the funds for the improvements.

“We are taking one step at a time,” finished Judith, “and this is a good first step.”

For more information, email activetravelforres@gmail.com