Threat to Pedestrianisation of Nairn High Street?
When the much needed pedestrianisation of Nairn’s high street was raised, it appears concerns from the Association of Nairn Business pushed for a solution that saw partial pedestrianisation.
However, if this is anything like similar schemes across the country, we could be in for a few protests.
In Inverness and now London, activists for the blind have hit out at schemes that involve part-pedestrianisation where the distinction between the pavement and road is not made through any form of kerb.
Referred to as both “shared surface” and “naked roads”, it’ll be interesting to see how these developments may affect, if at all, the planning for further partial pedestrianisation of the high street.
The compact nature of Nairn and its appealing side roads in the town mean that vehicular access will need to remain a concern.
However, is Nairn in danger of walking into a repeat of protests already forming across the UK, both near and far?
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4 Responses to “Threat to Pedestrianisation of Nairn High Street?”
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Brian,
I just thought I’d best turn the stick around here, as somehow, you seem to have hold of the wrong end of it
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All of the proposals that fall under the ‘Streetscape’ heading were discussed by a group with representatives from the Highland Council, the relevant Community Council ( in this case the River CC), Northern Constabulary, the Association of Nairn Businesses, Access Nairn and Local Voluntary Agencies, all under the guidance of officers from the Highland Council Planning department.
I wasn’t personally involved until the later stages, where the group were only considering the Brae.
Not having been party to matters considered earlier ie. the High street itself , I can’t comment – but I do know that the main concern when considering what would traditionally be thought of as pedestrianisation, was the potential problems servicing the buildings to the east of the High Street. I’m not talking about the relatively small number of shops here, I’m talking about houses. There are lots of them hidden down vennels off the High Street. Most of the residents may have a slightly different opinion as to the merits of pedestrianisation, and , while it may not be the same as yours or mine, their opinions are as valid.
Now as we know, there is more than one way to arrive at an end result that sees traffic calmed, and the area given back to the pedestrian, and of course, if we are talking about the lack of kerbs , or bollards etc…., then we must consider the needs of all users, including the visually impaired. That’s why the Streetscape group had a representative from ‘Access Nairn’.
Should Nairn be awarded the funds to carry out the works on the High Street, we will be looking for some new blood , to help move things forward on a sub-committee. You’ve not been backwards at coming forwards with letting folks know how you feel, that’s why I asked you to consider joining the Nairn Business Association and get involved in bringing the scheme to fruition.
I’m still waiting to hear back from you but, as it’s a subject you obviously have a keen interest in, I know you’ll be more than willing to offer your support.
Keep spreading the good word about the town and I look forward to hearing from you.
David Brownless
Chair ANB
There’s always a risk, with “partial” schemes and compromise arrangements, that some people will be disappointed or disadvantaged.
It’s particularly unfortunate if schemes intended to make High Street shopping and access easier and more agreeable, and to improve safety by reducing traffic risk, end up causing problems for the less able.
The moral is – if you’re going to pedestrianise, do it properly, don’t fudge it.
Let’s try pedestrianising one of the new Lochloy Schemes
Then we can have feedback on how things are when people can no longer take their cars to their houses anymore – yes that does happen in the town centre as David points out. Others park on the High Street overnight.
I would imagine the thriving take-away trade would probably still want cars on the High Street in the evening too.
Once again for many people going up the High Street is also the quickest and safest way home.
It ain’t easy and its been talked about a few times but the end result is always no pedestrianisation.
I think perhaps I’ve caused confusion by not using the word “Partial” in the post title.
The post simply points out that if partial pedestrianisation currently in play on the high street doesn’t allow for a clear curb, then Nairn could see protests from organisations from the blind on the matter.