Kilmallie Community Council AGM Chair report

Chair John Hutchison gave his report at the Kilmallie Community Council (KCC) AGM held on Monday June 26 at the Kilmallie Community Centre and online.

 

Road safety and concerns about carbon dust were mentioned as on-going concerns, while being able to lay a wreath at the Kilmallie War Memorial for the first time in several years was acknowledged as a positive from the past 12 months.

 

KCC's interactions with the Highland Council (HC) were also noted. These included the new bus route at the GP's surgery; delaying Phase 2 housing on the Blàr until the new hospital plans are clarified; and getting the council to accept a future bus route around the hospital.

 

Concerns raised with the HC were a housing proposal at Badabrie that would remove dozens of trees; the proposed widening of Blàr Mòr; the effect on orchids from the footway and cycleway; and the state of the Icehouse.

 

A call was made for better communication from SEPA and HC Planners, and it was noted that local police communications had lessened. A response was also still pending from HC’s Acting Chief Executive Kate Lackie after ten weeks to questions raised as part of the Linnhe Community Alliance.

 

The Chair also noted that it was now fifty years since the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 created Community Councils. He said Community Councils sometimes got the impression public bodies are irritated by them, which is a shame after such a time.

 

Nonetheless, he believes serving on a community council can be very rewarding, and hoped there would be interest in positions when the KCC elections are held later this year.

 

There were also thanks for the present KCC team, especially secretary Russell Leaper and treasurer Carol Anne Campbell, who won 'Volunteer of the Year' at this year's VOSCARS.

 

The work of the Kilmallie Community News and Community Fridge, both of which Carol Anne works on, were also praised.