Dave Thompson MSP

ACCESS to sports and leisure facilities is essential across the Highlands and that is why I am an enthusiastic advocate of the popular High Life scheme, which entitles members to use local swimming pools, gyms and leisure facilities for a reasonable monthly rate.

For the last six years, residents in Badenoch and Strathspey have enjoyed the excellent swimming facilities at their local pool in the Macdonald Aviemore Highland Resort (MAHR) but, in February, it was announced that this access would be finishing because the resort was withdrawing from the High Life scheme.

MAHR had written to Highland Council last September to say they planned to end the current arrangement with High Life at the end of March. Unfortunately, Highland Council did not reply until 20 December and the public were not informed until the New Year.

It is no surprise to me that local residents were up in arms, even after being offered family membership at the pool for £28, as Highlife membership at £23 also offered entrance to other Highlife facilities.

I immediately gave the community full support and backed Save our Swimming, the local campaign that wants the resort to restore High Life access. I have encouraged the resort and the council to meet and sought to find common ground between them so that they can explore how to continue the popular scheme and, in a matter of weeks, I am delighted to report that progress has been made and the council and MAHR are finally having serious commercial discussions. Both sides are taking a positive approach and I hope to see them reach a conclusion that is beneficial to the community.

On the subject of sports, I am also pleased to see that another project which has my backing, the Aviemore Sports Centre Project, is moving forward. It is great to see a community in solidarity in the name of sports and fitness. The recent Community Engagement Event on 26 February 2012 is indicative of the determination and the dedication of the community.

Local frustration with work on the A86 immediately south of Laggan Bridge prompted me to get involved and work towards a quick solution. Flood-banks on the river burst in November 2011, causing considerable damage to the fields, fences and the trunk road.

My primary concern is SEPA’s relaxed response to approve remedial action on the river. Considerable concern expressed by the local community with the dangers of delay has prompted me to urge SEPA to speed their decision making process and come to a conclusion as soon as possible.

Nevertheless, I am delighted to note that Transport Scotland has decided to authorise a solution for the road that has allowed design work to begin and this is currently being worked on. This should not be delayed in any way by SEPA. Basically the plan will be to install large pipes under the road. Rebuilding and resurfacing the road has allowed the possibility for a walk and cycleway. Local residents approached me to ask that this work be included in the redesign and I have received a favourable response so I am hopeful that this will take place. The construction work is likely to happen in April or May of this year.

With council elections looming, local candidates await the electorate’s approval. Subject to that approval, I look forward to working with two good guys Bill Lobban and Dave Fallows.

Hailing from Aviemore, Bill has a particular concern to see good services, with good value for money, in local communities. Dave lives in Newtonmore and wants to improve care for the elderly and for those who need assistance. I am heartened to see their concern with and their focus on local people and local issues.