As this article is posted the support for Murd's campaign is currently at 80% in the Gurn's unscientific poll. We suspect that this is how support would pan out in the community at large but as we say our poll is unscientific. In the interests of democracy we publish the opinion of someone that does not support the plan, this individual has a good reason for staying anonymous and we respect that and are willing to publish their views.
'I have the greatest respect for Murd's effots to improve the ambience of our riverside and access to it for ALL. But if you are questioning why there may not be support for his proposals to make the Firhall Bridge accessible to wheelchair users you just need to look at your blog about council cuts we are facing.
Recently Highland Council got into one hell of a stramash over the cancellation of a school trip because one mum was upset because her disabled daughter could not go on the trip. To my mind that was crass stupidity on the council's part . In my view the mother involved was being totally selfish. Here we have another case where there is a balance to be struck but there is a clear distinction - the cost of investment in a ramp to the bridge potentially at the expense of other services to people with disabilities.
It's easy to have a pop at councillors but we must be fair to them. Murd has demonstrated that a wheelchair can get across the bridge. But you can bet your bottom dollar that any ramp would have to fulfil stringent and no doubt costly building regulations which would all add to a considerable bill to the taxpayer. As a caring society we must do what we can to ensured the disadvantaged in our midst are not unnecessarily disadvantaged. But we have to live within our means. How many people with wheelchairs would use this route? There are many alternative pathways and walks with better surfaces than the riverside path that wheelchair users can enjoy. And you can be sure other services would suffer if thousands were spent on this project. Anon.'
Funding would actually be from sources other than Highand Council anon, it would be money that would go to some other community if Nairn were not to get it. Are we to say no more projects to go on the wish list just because there is no money in the public coffers? If we were to base our criteria on that assumption we would say no by-pass ever for Nairn because there is no money and other services would have to suffer if we were to build it.
If we want to talk about money and Highland Council however, in the debate at Glenuquhart Road yesterday the suggestion was heard that there should be cuts amongst the 881 staff on the council that earn over £40,000 before hitting voluntary organisations.
9 comments:
Bigger picture here. A ramp would not only benefit the disabled, it would be of benefit to people with prams, people with bikes, in fact, it would be safer for everyone all round; the steps get covered in leaves, ice etc and can be very slippy. As mentioned other sources are available for this project, but it requires the support of people and organisations such as the community council to put weight behind it, that's all they are being asked for! Support. Other people are prepared to take this forward.
Murd has done a hell of a lot of work on this and he's been like a persistent terrier, nipping away on his own.
Come on people, it's time to stop getting bogged down in things like the Bailey Bridge (different kettle of fish; yes, it should be open etc, etc but it's a different kind of project and involves different types of organisations, funding and budgets).
I agree with Graisg, do we just give up and go away? It's time we all found our inner terrier!
In answer to anon, the numbers of wheelchairs I cannot give simply because they can’t get over the bridge at present but what I can tell you is the unfortunate people in this position I have spoken to are all in favour so they too could enjoy the wildlife and beauty of the river walk. Also when speaking to the carers who take the handicapped from the Manor Home they said it would be great to be able to let their patients enjoy and be able to get away from traffic fumes etc, etc. Also mothers with prams would benefit and children would also see the wonders of nature. But there again I don't have the attitude I’m all right Jack. As to cost, to my knowledge it has never been priced. Silly prices suggested yes, but until it is known what is required how can anyone dismiss this project on the grounds of cost?
My suggestion is a simple overlay of the existing steps to a high of 1.5m with ramp coming off which would not cost mega bucks as suggested by some. And the removal of the redundant pipe which I have had quote for at a very reasonable price and nowhere near the high prices suggested.
As for the condition of the paths there’s no problem there after £45.000 was spent on them.
And the existing steps do they meet today's standards? When I asked about health and safety was told you cross at your own risk. Did you know you cross the Firhall Bridge at your own risk? I most certainly did not. Hoping this gives some insight as to why I think a ramp is more of a must than a maybe.
As a matter of interest, a few days ago i witnessed an elderly lady falling in the high street. The reason she fell was on one of the all too numerous disabled ramps conveniently located all over the place, to create more disabled people i reckon !
The provision of a ramp at firhall bridge is an uneccessary nonsense. Most disabled people have powered chairs and can get around the river perfectly well.
In addition there would be the downside of cyclists and mini motor cycles using the ramps at speed, with all that increased commotion there wouldn't be any wildlife around to see.
Leaving the bridge as is,deprives no one, lifting a bike or a pram is a welcome bit of exercise.
Any funding available should be sent to Haiti to the million poor people who now have nothing.
Get another horse to flog Murd.
How do you get around the river perfectly well if you have to turn back when you get to the Firhall Bridge?
Whats with the obsession about crossing the firhall bridge ? Variety is the spice of life, go up one side one day and the other the next. Or do both sides the same day whats the big deal, is there votes in this for somebody ?
Between the brae the high st and firhall bridge, Nairn will get the reputation of the biggest wasters in highland region .
Gosh, isn't it terrible that when some people try to do something good for their surroundings, they're labled as 'wasters'?
I’m not looking for brownie points just equal rights for all who would like the use the riverside walks. I hope anon does not remain anon if someone did fall badly and wanted to persue the fact because an eyewitness would be a wonderful help. The rest of the statement isn’t worth commenting on apart from pointing out how selfish some people can get when hiding behind ‘Anon’.
I think there should be a ramp on the Firhall bridge.
Thanks to all who contributed to this thread. If anon with the comment about salting the bridge in the winter etc would like to e-mail the Gurn with their name we will gladly publish their full comment in full.
We're now closing this thread, there's been plenty of debate, if you like vote in the poll, convince your friends and neighbours to vote, contact your councillors with your views and go along to your community council meetings to have your say on better access to the Firhall Bridge.
Thanks everyone and goodnight - or as they say in the other language 'Oidhche mhath!'
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