Community to be consulted on future of Lochaber multi-use games area

Repairs are to be made to a multi-use games area at Upper Achintore, Fort William to allow the previously closed pitch to be brought back into temporary use.

Members of The Highland Council’s Education, Children and Adult Services Committee have agreed funds of around £10,000 which will be used to repair the pitch that was closed for safety reasons following vandalism.

The pitch which is in the grounds of the former Upper Achintore Primary school has been declared surplus to council requirements with the opening of the new Lundavra Primary School and facilities.

The Council will carry out community engagement to establish if a community management committee of local stakeholders will, in the short term oversee the use of the pitch once repaired, and carry out housekeeping of the pitch. 

Members also agreed that there will be further discussion with Ward Members and the local community regarding the future of the Upper Achintore site, including the multi-use games area with recommendations coming back to a relevant Highland Council committee for consideration.

Chair of the Education, Children and Adult Services Committee, Councillor Drew Millar said: "I am delighted that we are working with the community to come to a solution for the games area at Upper Achintore."

Local Highland Councillors for Fort William and Ardnamurchan Ward commented. 

Councillor Bren Gormley said: “Local members support the proposal to carry out community engagement to find a way forward for the future of the MUGA.”

Councillor Andrew Baxter added: “This is the right decision to find a short term solution to repair the MUGA and ensure that an open space is retained for the community.”