Badenoch community removes dangerous railings from its war memorial
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Concern over the state of a Badenoch village’s war memorial railings was heightened when the community lost its local council watchdog and seemed unable to persuade the authorities to remove them.
But as it turned out that did not prevent the necessary local action – indeed, it inspired it.
Those in Dalwhinnie who wish to pay their respects to the local Fallen can now do so without risking a nasty injury.
“As we currently have no community council and nobody else seems to be discussing this, I have been in touch with Highland council and Scottish Water with regards to the railings,” posted Lesley Carr recently, as concerns grew about the derelict state of the barrier.
A Highland Council spokesperson told her: “I don’t believe the railings can be tidied up considering the stage of degradation they are in and public safety is my first thought.
“I would welcome local feedback and do not wish to leave an unsafe structure in place.”
Mrs Carr responded: “Please can everybody put their thoughts on this here so we can at least let Highland Council know what we want to do. The state of these railings cannot be left until we have a new community council but we need to tell the council what we want or nothing will be done in the near future.
“I, for one, want the current railings removed in order that a new fence or barrier can be put in to preserve the garden as a quiet place for contemplation and rest.”
Former watchdog chair Jen Dickinson confirmed: “This has been discussed on more than one occasion and in fact on Sunday a decision was made to take them down ourselves as they are dangerous at this point.
“An overwhelming vote by residents in the community last year was to remove them. They will now be removed...”
And this week they were, by a local handyman, much to the relief of many. As to what will replace them, if anything, that remains to be discussed – when hopefully the village forms a community council once more. Nominations are currently being invited.
“At this time they will not be replaced,” said Ms Dickinson.
“Happy for them to be removed and never replaced,” responded Michael Chappell. “I personally think the area lends its self to a community gardens and the railings are just stopping people using the whole area.
“No-one goes into the memorial except for Remembrance Sunday. It would be a useful space for anyone to relax and enjoy.”
