Views
Inaction is not an option - for The Inverness Courier
I WAS very surprised to learn last week that John Swinney, the SNP finance secretary in Edinburgh, has refused to approve the list of priorities which were submitted by our regional transport partnership HiTrans in March.
Six months after the June date, when ministers were expected either to approve the strategy or to return it for further work, they still seem intent on doing neither.
There is major cause for concern over this prevarication.
The plans are vitally important to our future and the regional priorities were intended to go forward urgently.
A year ago, The Inverness Courier broke the news that HiTrans' draft strategy would delay work on the Inverness southern bypass (the trunk link road, joining the A9, the A96 and the A82) until 2012 at the earliest. Quite rightly, that raised massive public concern.
Highland politicians of all major parties — and the Courier — called for the start date to be brought forward. Following a Highland Liberal Democrat postcard campaign, HiTrans was inundated by responses calling for that to be changed in its final submission.
To its great credit it listened to what we said and changed the plans.
Highland Council undertook to carry out the detailed design work which was needed to estimate costs and bid for central government funding with HiTrans' backing.
The regional strategy has been key in ensuring that funding was forthcoming, as well as planning progress for a range of other important projects.
So why is the minister refusing to act?
He has consigned the plans to limbo by refusing to approve them and in the process has casted further doubt on his commitment to Highland transport, despite all the election promises.
With such important projects as the Inverness bypass and upgrades to the A9 and A96 waiting for action, ministers must do better.
JANNY'S HOOSE
It is very welcome news that the Big Lottery fund has identified a possible source of funding for The Janny's Hoose in Merkinch. Hopefully lottery funding can win it a reprieve — but its predicament in recent weeks clearly cannot be forgotten until its long-term future is entirely secure.
With some justice, the Lottery fund has pointed out to me that its role is to supplement government funds and support innovation, not to deliver essential services on a permanent basis.
Given the huge contribution that healthy living centres are making, they should certainly receive core funds.
It seems to me that projects like The Janny's Hoose must lie at the heart of any attempt to help people with a range of health problems.
What is most needed is easily accessible health advice with a friendly face. By contrast, faceless officialdom and administration by endless phonelines badly fails so many people.
A NEW LEADER
This week, the Liberal Democrats will discover who we have elected to be our new UK leader.
We have two excellent candidates and I look forward to working alongside whoever prevails.
For them, the Christmas period may not be the most restful of their lives, but I think — as the reality of Gordon Brown's premiership unfolds — that there will be exciting times ahead in the New Year.
And on that note may I wish you all a Merry Christmas.
Posted on: 18/12/2007
