Active Travel Forres want to know if the community would like Grant Park’s railings removed
A group dedicated to improving transport links for pedestrians and cyclists is gauging reaction to a proposed new path into town.
Active Travel Forres (ATF) founder Judith Binney attended the last meeting of Forres Community Council to ask for suggestions for improvements where she noted a call for a continuous route from Forbeshill to High Street.
She explained: “Community councillor Kevin Skivington suggested removing the railings at Grant Park along Victoria Road to allow people to overflow onto the grass while ‘overtaking’.
“This would not change the width or position of the pavement, or mean that a proper Active Travel Route could not be made in future, but it might make things simpler and safer in the short term.
“The present railings are in need of repair and a repaint so this may also be a way to improve the look of the park.”
Active Travel Forres and Moray Council have already improved links from Forres Academy to Applegrove Primary School, including widened pavements at Burdshaugh, Burdsyard Road and Sanquhar Road.
Judith said: “The new Active Travel bridge across the Mosset at Burdshaugh and the links from there to the schools have given a lovely safe route through the area. Lots of people with mobility scooters use it every day, as well as school children on their bikes.
“We want safe routes throughout Forres for everyone to enjoy.”
ATF now want a safe, wide, off-road route to connect Forbeshill to Anderson’s School and High Street.
Judith said: “This is on the council’s list of things to do so probably won’t happen for a long time due to budget problems.
“Meanwhile, the path on Victoria Road by the park gets busy at certain times of day, with children walking and cycling to school, and parents pushing buggies etc.
“We would like to know what people who use this path at busy times think of this suggestion. Would removing the railings make their journeys any easier? Would they like to be able to cross straight into the park from North Road? Do the disadvantages outweigh the advantages?”
She finished: “Please let us know. It is only a suggestion that might make things easier short term, while keeping the grass, trees and flowers exactly the same.”
Email activetravelforres@gmail.com with your thoughts and for more information.
Forres Community Council fully supports Active Travel Forres in their endeavours to bring about more safe routes throughout the town.
Chairman Steve Ferris said: “The removal of the railings and/or the widening of the path along the road is one option. Another is to put lighting along the path through Grant Park.
“Both options have their advocates and dissenters so hopefully there will be a public debate about the options for cyclists and walkers.”
