Testing trial for learners

From 'The Strathspey and Badenoch Herald' of Thursday, April 9, 1987.

Helpers at the Grantown Episcopal Church coffee morning and sale of work around 1963, but do you remember who they are?

If so, drop us a note or e-mail us at editorial@sbherald.co.uk Old photographs for Down Memory Lane can be sent by post to 'The Strathspey and Badenoch Herald' at 44 High Street, Grantown PH26 3EH or by e-mail as above.

AN "L" OF a row has broken out at Grantown which could threaten driving tests being held in the town in future.

It has come to a head with an incident where one resident allegedly obstructed a Ministry of Transport examiner conducting a driving test.

The incident was reported to the police, but instructors say: "On numerous occasions learner drivers have been intimidated while under instruction or inconvenienced when sitting their test."

Now instructors from the Spey Valley’s five driving schools are urging Grantown residents to: "Be reasonable".

The row came to light following complaints by a Grantown community councillor that learner drivers executing manoeuvres were creating a traffic hazard at the entrance to the town’s Strathspey Industrial Estate.

Councillors agreed to inquire whether that section could be omitted from the official Ministry test route.

Since then, some residents in other parts of the town have complained about manoeuvres being carried out outside their homes.

One Seafield Avenue resident, who declined to be named, said: "We are getting a steady stream of learner drivers doing reversing manoeuvres outside our homes at all times of the day and night and it is a nuisance."

Holiday Hi-Line has favourites

HI LINE – The Highlands and Islands centralised holiday booking system – has been dealt another broadside by Newtonmore hoteliers this week.

Mr Gregor Rimell, of the Glen Hotel, Newtonmore, has claimed there is a clear bias in which establishments receive Hi Line business.

"A number of local hotels are getting trade from Hi Line at the moment and there is clear evidence of favouritism in who the group deals with," Mr Rimell told the "Herald".

He highlighted a letter received from Hi Line general manager, Mr E.R. Wayne, following a meeting with several Newtonmore hoteliers anxious about the service the company was giving.

Mr Wayne’s letter said: "As far as I am concerned we agree that perhaps there had been some misconceptions as to how Hi Line operated and that perhaps some benefit could be gained if you paid us a visit here in Dingwall.

"As I have stated before, we do not have to service anyone. The hoteliers whom we prefer to contract with us are those with whom the girls here have confidence within their dealings – we need to re-establish that confidence with your good self."

Tourist board has a fight on its hands

NEWTONMORE Tourist Office will not be lost without a fight.

Local community councillors are protesting loud and long about Aviemore and Spey Valley Tourist Board plans for the summer opening of information offices, which do not include Newtonmore.

"I don’t see why Newtonmore should have to rely on other offices to do their business for them," said Councillor Mr Paul Mackintosh.

"If we allow this facility to be taken from us, we are wasting our time as community councillors.

"We have already lost our local chemist, a manned service at our railway station and now they want to take our tourist office away as well."

Councillors said plans to set up an information point in the local shop with £250 from the ASVTB were totally inadequate for the needs of the village.

"No-one can spare the staff for this job for the season for just £250," said Mrs Jo Frazer.

"A lost of people arrive in Newtonmore from the Fort William direction and Kingussie would be their first point of representation.

"Just because the board has lost money I don’t see why the small villages should be the ones to pay last year’s debt."

Breach of wildlife laws denied

CONSERVATIONISTS are calling for legal action to be taken against the Cairngorm Chairlift Co who, they claim, have breached wildlife law.

The call – from Badenoch and Strathspey Conservation Group – follows use by the chairlift company of a machine to flatten snow and ski slopes at Coire an t’Sneachda.

But the chairlift company have denied the charge and say they are sticking rigidly to planning conditions laid down by Highland Regional Council.

Mrs Pat Wells, chairwoman of the conservation group, says the area which was machined is within the site of special scientific interest and the action therefore contravenes the Wildlife and Countryside Act.

Mrs Wells said: "The Nature Conservancy Council has stated that permission will not be granted for the use of these machines within the special site and has advised the chairlift company to this effect.

"The company did not consult with the conservancy council before the pisting was carried out last Friday.

"We therefore now call on the conservancy council to take the necessary legal action against the chairlift company."

Car jam puts brake on law

SHORT of space motorists in a Strathspey village find themselves in a dilemma when they want to park outside their homes.

For it they park on the road they risk police action for obstruction. And if they mount the pavement – they could again be prosecuted for obstruction.

The problem is there are too few parking spaces in a lay-by provided in the narrow roadway at Grampian Crescent in Boat of Garten.

And residents have warned councillors that the situation is causing friction between neighbours.

One said: "The parking was provided when houses had at the most one car each. Now, some families have two, three and sometimes four cars each."

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