Murd Dunbar has obtained figures from the Highland Council that show how the riverside paths have increased in popularity since the £50,000 upgrade to the surfaces. The Council instilled a sensor pad beneath the path near the Firhall Bridge several years ago.
2004 – 14884
2005 - 9465
2006 – 5542 (People counter was undercounting)
2007 – 14868
2008 – 33476 (New path opened in Feb of this year)
2009 – 22462
2005 - 9465
2006 – 5542 (People counter was undercounting)
2007 – 14868
2008 – 33476 (New path opened in Feb of this year)
2009 – 22462
This goes to show that even more members of the community have made use of the paths since the upgrage. As Councillor Graham Marsden said at the January meeting of the River Community Council (the one where there was a majority vote for Murd's improved access initiative), it doesn't make sense to improve the paths but stop at the bridge itself.
The Gurn feels the path figures would get another boost if those that can't get over the bridge at present were given the opportunity to do so.
