Inverness town steeple conservation works

Businesses and members of the public are being invited to have their say on proposed conservation works for Inverness town steeple being carried out by The Highland Council.

The works are expected to start some time during March 2012 with completion in November 2012.

A meeting which is open to members of the public will take place in the Town House, High Street, Inverness on Wednesday 8 February 2012 at 6pm. Council Officers will discuss the extent of the works with businesses and property owners to hear about the potential impacts that they might experience.

The Council has written to almost 50 businesses on Bridge Street, Upper Bridge Street, Church Street and Church Street/Baron Taylor’s Street informing them of the forthcoming works the Steeple.

David Haas Highland Council’s Inverness City Manager said: “The works are necessary to undertake both general maintenance and more substantial masonry repair items. Further conservation work to the internal and original bells, bell mechanisms and clock faces is also anticipated.

He added: “Although all efforts will be made to reduce the impact of the day to day site operations upon local and adjacent businesses it is inevitable that some disruption may occur. However, the use of heavy machinery or pneumatic equipment is not expected and most works will be undertaken with little noise disturbance.”

As the whole steeple will be clad in scaffolding for the duration of the works pedestrian walkways may be reduced in width around the construction site.

The Highland Council is currently tendering a contract for the works.