Strong response to Fort William community survey

Hundreds of people who live and work in Fort William have responded to a recent survey carried out by the Fort William Community Action Group (part of the Lochaber Community Partnership - LCP). 

The purpose of the survey was to capture views from as many people as possible living or operating businesses in the catchment area for Lundavra Primary School – including Upper Achintore, Plantation, An Aird, Achintore Road/Seafield Gardens, Belford Road, Cameron Road, Alma Road, Victoria Road and the High Street.

More than four hundred people responded, providing detailed information on subjects such as transport links, how safe the area feels, the environment, facilities, services and amenities, local employment, housing and opportunities to participate in and influence community life.  

While the Partnership has five core partners - TheHighland Council, NHS Highland, Police Scotland, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and Highlands and Islands Enterprise, more than 20 other organisations helped carry out the survey, working with individuals and groups who may not normally feel confident or able to respond.  This resulted in information being received from people and groups across a wide age range and from many backgrounds and interests.

The Fort William Community Action Group (consisting of LCP partners, agencies and community organisations) now has the task of sifting the large quantity of information received, providing an overview of the opinions and most importantly translating them into actions.  The information will assist in directing existing resources and will ultimately help to reduce inequalities in the area.

This phase of work is expected to take around 8 weeks, after which further engagement with other groups and individuals is likely in order to progress the actions.

Councillor Andrew Baxter, Highland Council’s Area Chairman for Lochaber said:

“The response to this survey work has been exceptional.  Hundreds of people of all ages have taken the time to provide very high quality information about what is important to them in the area where they live and work.  These responses will now inform and guide partners allowing the delivery of improved services into the area. 

“It complements the similar work underway in Caol and Kinlochleven.  Within Lochaber, these three communities have been identified as currently experiencing higher levels of inequality, hence agencies and partners focussing efforts on them.”