Forres community calls for splash pad in Grant Park and A96 relief road from Knockomie amongst other aspirations for town

Can you imagine a place where there are no traffic jams; where a high street is bustling with independent and national retailers; and where children of all ages can enjoy a playpark?

The people of Forres think this is what’s needed in their town.

We asked residents of the area what they would change about the area they call home and more than 173 of you replied.

Commenters on Facebook including Sarah Jane Munro said things like a one discount card per household for upcoming events should be implemented.

While Tina-marie Cooney suggested there should be large posters around town that display how it looked in times past.

Keeping with the positive theme, Jim Cunningham, said: “A relief road should be built to access the A96 out by Knockomie to take cars away from the town centre.”

“Bring prices down so we can regenerate the high street,” said Phillip Coulby. “It would be be great to see a mixed selection of shops.”

“They need to decrease commercial rent,” added Meggie Jane Lorenzo. “People currently can’t start new businesses.”

A few readers suggested redeveloping the site between Gordon Street and Caroline Street, as well as hosting more frequent open markets.

“Make the old Tesco into a mini-retail park,” said Liz Kirwan, “with a clothes shop, a shoe shop - somewhere that has it all and would meet all households budgets.”

Jeff Bradford wants to have the high street closed off on one evening-a-week for market stalls, adding: “It would be nice if a few outlets were allowed on Tolbooth Street maybe on a weekend day once-a-week in the summer. It would attract folk to the town.”

Caroline McRitchie went one step further, suggesting pedestrianisation of the town centre.

“Build a splash pad or an open-air pool like they had years ago…”

Heather Hatch called for “much more use of Grant Park - something for all ages.”

“Build a splash pad or an open-air pool like they had years ago,” added Andrea Mcneil.

Sarah Jane Munro also thinks Forres’ most central park should host mini-golf, swing ball and large outdoor games like Jenga, Twister and soft ball games during school holidays.

A skate park, is another common aspiration.

Cat Horne said: “Moray Council wants us to wait years for the academy to be demolished before we can have one of those!”

“Give us a BMX track…”

Harking back to the eighties, Dave Brooks added: “Give us a BMX track down Bogton.”

Something for older kids to enjoy is also a popular aspiration. “A cinema or a bowling alley” suggested Shelley Louise Mcquillan.

Improved traffic safety and infrastructure is also a big want.

Gillean Parker wants to see a pedestrian traffic or overhead crossing for safe crossing over the A96 to the Greshop Industrial Estate.

“Better cycling infrastructure,” said Kevin Grant.

“A safer crossing to the train station,” added Jill Johnstone.

Jennifer O’Hagan and Jo George-Smithson also called for more frequent, affordable public transport.

“We need more bus services in town,” added Karen Eastham. “It’s big enough now.”

And a number of readers suggested 20mph limits in built-up areas such as St Leonard’s Road, as well as the return of traffic wardens.

“There should be more priority for pedestrians and cyclists,” said Celia McKenna. “With 20mph limits on narrow streets like Orchard Road, South Street and High Street.”

Jay Dee and other readers said they want to see the bottleneck at ‘The Brig’ revised.

“Sort out the junction at the lights on Grantown Road and Orchard Road,” explained Jay. “Could Castlehill Road and the end of Orchard Road become a one way loop to facilitate this?”

Linda Fetch made one of a number of calls for parking on Tolbooth Street to be policed.

“It’s unacceptable that cars have to mount the pavements to pass,” she said. “Cameras and fixed penalties would soon stop it.”

One of the most frequent calls is for an all-weather sports pitch in the last remaining Moray town without one.

“We need a 4G sports facility, possibly at Bogton so it could be used by the Can-Cans,” said Phillip Coulby.

“It’s absolutely shocking that this is not in place yet.” agreed Mike Hendry.

“Towns in England a fifth the size of Forres all have them,” added Chris Grant.

Other hot topics include: a decision on the future of derelict Castlehill Church; provision of more live entertainment and venues including a permanent youth club; opening national chain outlets; more affordable housing for local people on waiting lists; soft play areas; and fresh food shops.

And of course, increased healthcare provision.

“Give us faster service on the phone line to the health centre…”

“We need a pharmacy up Knockomie,” suggested Pete MacDonald.

“Give us faster service on the phone line to the health centre,” said Markas Donaldo.

“We don’t have enough GPs, dentists etc to support all the new builds!” and “Nobody can get an appointment” claimed Barbara Vincent and Heather Mcarthur.

Finally, Vicky Flood, ended the thread saying: “A method of acting on the information gathered from research on what people want in Forres!”