Council chiefs are facing a growing chorus of protest over perceived favouritism for investment in Inverness projects above other areas of the Highlands.
The latest trigger is a £145,000 spending programme on the greening of various sites around the city. The proposal will be considered at a meeting of the council’s city committee tomorrow. (THURS)
A number of opposition councillors outwith the Highland capital have joined the debate complaining that Inverness is benefiting from lavish projects while rural areas are being urged to join Prime Minister David Cameron’s so-called “Big Society” in which communities rally round and volunteer for projects.
Badenoch and Strathspey member Bill Lobban, the council’s vice convener, said: “Yet again the chasm of inequality between ‘planet Inverness’ and the rest of the Highlands ever widens.
“Not content with proposing spending hundreds of thousands of pounds on vanity projects such as the tilting pier and the gold-plated museum they now propose to lavish nearly £150,000 on beautifying the entrances to Inverness by planting trees, shrubs and flowers.
“We, however, have been told to take up DIY if we want flowers this summer. It beggars belief.”
East Sutherland and Edderton councillor Graham Phillips said: “We struggle to get the basic grass cutting done, and when I hear about prominent planting in Inverness at a time when we can’t afford to keep our streets clean I feel there’s a wrong set of priorities in play.”
The latest Inverness initiative aims to transform the main approach roads into tree-lined avenues and introduce a more green and hilly “Highland style” to the city’s entry points.
Additional artworks could also be built to welcome visitors.
Civic and business leaders have welcomed the city proposals saying they will enhance Inverness.
Tree planting and fresh landscaping are proposed for the Longman section of the A9, the A82 Longman Road, the Telford Roundabout, the A862 Clachnaharry Road, and B865 Millburn Road while a new cycleway and “arrival zone” are suggested for the city end of the Kessock Bridge.