SCD PROJECT UPDATE NEWS UPDATE – October 2021

SCD wish to acknowledge the comments recently made by the community regarding the issue of information about projects being undertaken. It recognises that it is a long-time between the quarterly community newsletter where SCD provides a full report. As a result SCD has decided to provide an informal update at the monthly SCC meetings

We also believe that some means of communications may not be suitable for everyone, therefore, we have decided to also post a more regular update on the website. This should keep the community abreast of challenges faced and actions taken.

As you can appreciate there have been a lot of ideas presented for potential projects, some of which are under consideration. So, if you have an idea that you would like to be considered please use the Community Survey to offer up your ideas.

Below is the first news update. We would appreciate your feedback on the timescales and the way it’s presented.

Affordable Housing Affordable Housing continues to make progress. The Community now own the land and the Rural Housing Grant Funding is in place. Two huge milestone events! – the cost & availability of building materials along with the new fire suppressant regulations continues to be a challenge. This has affected project timescales. We are in the final stages of these project meetings. The next one is planned for early October with SCD, the Preferred Contractor, The Highland Council, and the Community Housing Trust. A final decision on the contract signing is planned shortly thereafter, to deliver 12 properties & 2 self-build plots (6 for Highland Council) and (6 plus 2 self-build plots for the community). Community Housing Trust have a registered interest page on their website.

https://www.chtrust.co.uk/future-opportunities.html

A build programme is in the region of 18 months following a signed contract and SCD Board approval. We will keep you updated on the progress.
Paths Project Sect 7 – Old Mill Road to the Strathdearn Final designs are being drawn up now following meetings with the affected landowners. We are hoping this will be approved by them and then next steps are for The Highland Council to procure a contractor. As winter will be with us in no time, it is anticipated works will commence next year. Safer Routes to School have provided funding for this section of the paths. As we head into the darker nights, a refresher on Road Safety for the children is being planned with some useful ‘giveaways’.
Paths Project Sect 8 – The Strathdearn to Juniper Drive Section 8 is from the Hub to the bottom of Juniper Drive and will be procured as one contract by The Highland Council to provide efficiencies. Although there are no landowners along this stretch that will be directly affected, as all of the paths will be constructed within the adopted roadside. We will be holding consultation/liaison sessions to inform the folks that live along that stretch with regard to various aspects of the works. We have still to secure funding for this stretch, and a selection of agencies are being engaged with to progress it further. We will also be applying for planning permission for Section 8
Traffic Calming Project at Alt Nacrath Bridge Both sections of the traffic calming/speed restrictions are in the final consultation process stage, which will include a public notification which will be featured shortly in the Inverness Courier and advertised locally on lamp posts. Following the feedback, all being well, it would then go out to tender by Highland Council and we will be on our way to reducing the speed and hopefully making it safer for all.
Foot Bridges over Allt Necrath Burn Both Bridges now completed by local contractor and in use.
Dog Litter Bins Prices obtained by Community Council during September will be passed to SCD for action and awaits SCD Board approval at October meeting to purchase and install. The proposals cover both the Tomatin and Moy areas
Playpark Skate Park Prices obtained for the 3 items requested by children was over £20,000. This was considered expensive and other options to be investigated further with user group to identify a more cost-effective option for the equipment required. Await appointment of Full time Project Officer
E Bikes The shelter has been erected, Charger points on site to be fitted and await delivery of the Storage Shed for the Bikes and then this can be completed. This due to a supplier delivery issue out with our control. The SCD has also received confirmation that they been successful in their bid for funding for the purchase of e-bikes to be used for hire locally. The bikes are to be purchased in the next few months and will soon be available for hire
Shop Opening Times The winter opening times remain 8am to 5pm Monday to Saturday (closed Sundays)
Programme of Events at the Strathdearn We aim to publicise a fortnightly look ahead at all events booked in the “Strathdearn”
Recruitment An advert has been posted for the role of Project Officer on 29th Sept 2021. Details on the Strathdearn Website.