Regeneration group outlines ‘considerable progress’

The ‘considerable progress’ made by Upper Achintore Regeneration Group in the past year was highlighted at its recent annual general meeting.

Chairman Mark Linfield, who was re-elected for a further term, reported that planters had been put out on display, green areas had been cleared of mess and planted with wild flowers and trees, dog-poo bag dispensers had been put up in dog walking areas and litter picking equipment had been used on numerous occasions by residents.

The group has also agreed an action plan with Highland Council to progress many more issues.

‘Last year we had a successful Christmas tree light switch-on and bought new pole mounted decorations. This year we intend to have a slightly bigger Christmas event for residents with a Christmas concert and switch-on ceremony,’ said Mr Linfield.

‘New housing opened this summer at Angus Maciver Way and a condition of the development was for the Ross Place kickabout pitch to be upgraded, so we really hope to see work starting on this soon. It has been far too long a wait for the area’s children to be without their pitch.’

The reinstatement of the diverted path on to Angus Maciver Way will be happening soon thanks to the group successfully reaching an agreement with the council and it has been promised a seat on the community liaison group for the new housing development on land below Cow Hill.

Mr Linfield thanked his committee and volunteers who have helped with projects as well as various Highland Council departments for assistance and guidance offered to the group. He also thanked Lochaber Housing Association for attending meetings to answer queries.

Further thanks went to the group’s various funders and those that have offered future support: Highland Council, HiTrans, Lochaber Rotary Club, Broadland Energy, Morrisons, Fort William Town Council, Woodland Trust and Pebble Trust Team.

Thanks also went to Jim Tolmie and Bob Spence who have been helping the group with the Skeegan’s Way path project.

‘We are going into our fourth year as Upper Achintore Regeneration Group and it looks like it will be an exciting and busy one,’ added Mr Linfield. ‘We have been given £20,000 by Highland Council for an Upper Achintore area community hub feasibility study and have a consultant, with local connections, ready to do this. This is by far the most ambitious thing any residents’ group has done in the area for a long time.’

Alongside this, the group will continue with the Greening the Burn project, Skeegan’s Way project and the ebike hub and car park near the top of Lochaber Road.