Noise, nuisance and traffic speed among key issues for Kilmallie
Noise, nuisance and speeding traffic were among the key issues for the local community, according to John Hutchison this week when he gave his annual report as acting chairman of Kilmallie Community Council at its AGM.
Mr Hutchison told the online meeting the community council continued to be concerned about noise and other nuisance at Annat, which is the site of the commercial pier and industrial estate in Corpach.
Mr Hutchison continued: ‘We were disappointed that some businesses declined to become involved in a community liaison group but are pleased to hear that Highland Council has now specified that one be formed in connection with a recent planning consent and we look forward to that happening without delay.’
He went on to commend the A830 Group for the work it did in identifying trunk road concerns and then taking these forward to Transport Scotland and trunks roads’ operator BEAR Scotland.
‘Similarly, we commended the unidentified parties who took direct action by erecting 30mph repeater signs through Corpach. Although short-lived, their effect was noticeable and their action in highlighting the issue may yet prove worthwhile – affixing repeater stickers on wheelie bins is being investigated by the police,’ added Mr Hutchison.
Mr Hutchison then mentioned the Kilmallie Community News [KCN] publication. He said: ‘The Kilmallie Community News is justifiably a source of pride for us. The editorial team of Carol Anne [Campbell] and Ann [Moffat] deserve our thanks, as well as the sponsors, which included Covid funding this year. Printing of the KCN appeared to be challenging until the Lochaber Times stepped in twice to help – we are grateful.’
Mr Hutchison also explained that some projects had been difficult to take forward owing to the Covid pandemic, with much of the community council activity taking place online.
‘However, I must mention the Hardship Fund, the Helpline and the Community Cupboard which is evolving into the Community Fridge. In my experience many Highland communities abound with ‘unstoppable women’ and Carol Anne is one of them who, with her team of volunteers, has surmounted the various obstacles that have arisen along the way,’ he said.
‘Our community councillors have attended other meetings, namely the Active Travel Group, the Blàr Mòr Community Liaison Group – once it was belatedly set up by The Highland Council – and the new Belford project, or more properly Lochaber Health and Social Care Redesign since there are broader issues than a new hospital building.’
Among other issues mentioned by Mr Hutchison was the Linnhe Community Alliance. He told the meeting: ‘I am pleased that joint working with adjacent community councils [CCs] has been resurrected through the Linnhe Community Alliance, involving the five CCs round the loch along with Glenfinnan.
‘Our annual grant from the Highland Council remained stable this year, although we have done well with Covidrelated funding opportunities. We also received a very kind bequest from the estate of the late May Greenfield of Chevalier Cottage, Tomonie.
‘Linked with funding, we are determined to put the KCN on a stable footing, to continue to produce and distribute it free of charge to all homes and businesses, including Blàr Mòr when the houses are occupied. We need £2,700 a year to do this and we are close to halfway there.’
Mr Hutchison concluded by saying he was sorry that Colin ‘Woody’ Wood had to stand down as chairman soon after last year’s AGM, adding: ‘But I am pleased that he remained on the CC and will continue to do so.’ He added: ‘We should all be glad that we have a community council – some places don’t and you have shown that you support us when it’s critical.’
The AGM also saw the election of office-bearers for the coming year, with Mr Hutchison confirmed as chairman, Gwyn Moses swapping the treasurer’s role for that of vice-chairman and Russell Leaper appointed secretary for another year.