User group to be formed to manage Grantown Park

The Highland Council has given Strathspey Thistle Football Club a licence to occupy Seafield Park, Grantown, which will allow the new Highland League outfit to begin limited amounts of work while a lease is negotiated.
 
At the same time, a community user group is to be set up to manage future use of the park for the benefit of the community and to accommodate Strathspey Thistle.
 
A constitution has been drafted for agreement at the first general meeting of the group to be held on Wednesday 8 July at the Ben Mhor Hotel, Grantown.  Representatives of local groups and residents including scouts, playgroup, Grantown Grammar School and Strathspey Thistle, are invited to attend along with any other interested parties.
 
The facility, also known as the Black Park, was gifted by Seafield Estate for the benefit of the general community. The land will continue to be owned by The Highland Council on behalf on the community of Grantown and the area will be leased to the user group for their management with strict conditions attached to ensure that everyone continues to benefit from the recreational area.
 
It is recognised that Strathspey Thistle would get priority to use the football pitch for their Highland League fixtures and would have access to a neighbouring area for training. There is ample space for recreational use by the public at all times.
 
The Highland Council Convener Sandy Park, who has been closely involved in discussions, welcomed the move. He said: “I am pleased that a way forward has been identified so quickly. The user group will reflect the interests of the existing users and ensure both the community and the football team can be accommodated.”

The four ward members for Badenoch and Strathspey – Councillors Jaci Douglas, Stuart Black, Gregor Rimell and Dave Fallows – are all behind the formation of the user group.
 
Councillor Douglas said: “Along with my fellow councillors we look forward to making progress to ensure that the aspirations of the football club work alongside the concerns of the wider community.”
 
-ends-