Cycle training gets go-ahead for Nairn Links despite some fears
A CYCLING group has been granted permission to hold training sessions for youngsters on Nairn Links.
Revolution CT’s application was approved by Highland Council subject to conditions with the full support of local area members.
Concerns had been raised about the safety of members of the public walking on the links and potential damage to the local environment.
The club, however, gave assurances that the sessions will be fully supervised and clean-ups will take place before and after each session.
The latter was a condition of approval from Nairn’s area committee, along with the provision of indemnity insurance.
Revolution CT juniors are affiliated to Scottish Cycling and use qualified coaches.
There are currently 40 members, with the Links site to be used in addition to existing provision by the riverside.
The club said it wants to use both sites “for training our members to cycle competently and responsibly in a safe, traffic-free environment” with the Links area to the east of the bandstand to be used for coaching more advanced riding techniques.
All equipment used, including plastic cones and portable ramps, would be brought out for each session and removed afterwards.
“Due to relatively small numbers of members there would be no significant damage caused to the grass in the area,” the club said. “The use of both facilities would be somewhat sporadic due to a limited number of coaching staff available from week to week.
“This would also prevent any ‘overuse’ issues, but also prohibits us from being more specific with our letting request.”
At a recent meeting of Nairn West and Suburban Community Council, chairman Alastair Noble said: “We completely support the work this group is doing with young people and it has done some incredible work, fundraising more than £30,000 for Team Hamish. But our view is there is already a cycling proficiency track and BMX facilities at the riverside and these need to be enhanced and that is where it should be provided.
“Using the Links on a Sunday afternoon for such activities is just not the right place.
“It’s extremely regrettable that this has not been the subject of any consultation.”
Sessions will take place on Sundays from 1pm to 4.45pm.
Nairn area committee chairman, Councillor Tom Heggie, said: “Elected members had no issue in approving this application along with risk assessments etc given the health and wellbeing around this along with cycling competency.”
President of Revolution CT, Steve Donaldson, was contacted by the Courier but declined to comment.
