Residents of a housing group in Inverness have taken a step forward in a bid to solve long-term flooding and access problems, according to a city councillor.
A new working group involving officials from Highland Council and Scottish Water will address issues at Wester Inshes and possible adoption of roads.
Inverness South SNP councillor Ken Gowans said yesterday the outstanding issues related to roads and drainage, and that both needed to be addressed before roads could be adopted.
“We’re still in discussion with the developer but still have to reach agreement on a number of issues around drainage and roads infrastructure. I’m hoping there will be a positive resolution soon,” he said.
“A survey of sewers and drains has been completed and there’s ongoing work to identify defects and carry out repairs.
“The cost is yet to be determined but there’s £5,000 from the council ward discretionary budget. The works will cost significantly more and several funding sources are being investigated. Landscaping works also need to be addressed.”
Mr Gowans promised consultation with Wester Inshes Residents Association.
“I’ve been trying to get this resolved for last five years. It’s been an uphill battle at every level, but I’m heartened that we’re finally making progress,” he said.
“I don’t expect all the issues to be resolved in the next few months but we’re moving in the right direction.”
No-one from the developers, RF More Properties, could be contacted yesterday.
Heather Gardiner, chairwoman of the Wester Inshes Residents’ Association, said: “This would be welcome news but I’ve heard things like this before, so I’m not counting my chickens until I actually see things happening.”
The council previously washed it hands of the estate’s problems, deciding last November not to pursue action – as the planning authority – for alleged failings by the developer to address the issues.
RF More said in November that long-standing flooding problems “originate from the fields and woodland above the development.”
