Nairn Suburban Community Council

'Muircote' Blairfield Road

NAIRN IV12 5NJ

17th July 2013

GRASS CUTTING IN NAIRN

The subject of grass-cutting in and around Nairn has come up at various meetings in recent months including the Community Councils. A number of possible ideas have been put forward on how to improve matters. Since there is likely to be further public discussion, I think that it would be right to clarify the current views of Nairn Subrirban Community Council which I know are shared by our colleagues in Nairn West Community Council. There has been no proposal for the three Nairn Community Councils to become involved in the town's grass cutting. 2. Hence there is no substance to River Community Council's statement that West and Suburban: (i) "really don't want to be involved in it" and (ii) "do not wish to align themselves with River" There has been no joint discussions of any proposal for a town-wide maintenance project. 3. It is true that all Nairn Community Council's support more effective local control by Highland Council of grass cutting. 4. If the existing commercial contracts are failing to deliver an acceptable service, then it is still the responsibility of The Highland Council as the Local Authority to ensure that performance improves. It is not the role of Community Councils to take over the Nairn-wide grass cutting contracts and to become employers of skilled teams of 'ol,inks & Parks Staff'. 5. We understand that there is a problem with amenity grass and play areas in the residential area to the south of Lochloy Road. This could be resolved by local residents and River Community Council who are addressing the matter. This should not be confused with Nairn grass cutting which has been contracted out, and Bear Scotland's grass cutting contract along the ,4'96 trunk road. 6. The grass cutting equipment formerly used by Highland Council staff in Nairn was mostly all on contract hire and was handed back when the contractors took over. Any alternative arrangement would therefore have to consider such major capital costs. 7. We all share a desire to see the present unsatisfactory situation over local maintenance services resolved. Any alternative arrangement needs to be realistic and sustainable. There are many different groups - voluntary organisations, NICE and others as well as the Community Councils - who may have a role to play. It would be sensible, as well as courteous, for all relevant parties to be involved from the outset in discussing the aims and preparing plans.

1.

We remain

readl'*-contribuQto any such discussion.

--Dick Youngson Chairman.

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