Aberlour's Alice Littler Park goes into community ownership
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A POPULAR green space nestled on the banks to the River Spey has been placed in the hands of the local community.
Aberlour's Alice Littler Park was the subject of a successful community asset transfer (CAT) request by Aberlour Community Association this week.
CAT requests for a skate park in Lossiemouth and Findochty Town Hall were also approved during Tuesday's meeting of the council's economic growth, housing and environmental sustainability committee.
At Aberlour, the local authority received two competing CAT requests for the Alice Littler Park – one from Aberlour Community Association and a second from Play Aberlour.
Papers recommended approval was granted to the Community Association on the strength of both business cases and feedback following public consultation.
During the meeting, Speyside Glenlivet councillor Derek Ross urged the community to come together to create a "real asset" in the village.
Cllr Ross said: "I wish Aberlour Community Association well in taking on the CAT for Alice Littler Park.
"I hope, as they move forward, they have the magnanimity to reach out to other groups in the community – especially Play Aberlour – in an effort to fulfil a vision of a park for all.
"An inclusive, imaginative approach using the very, very best ideas will provide the people of Aberlour with a real asset. A park with first class play facilities is a win-win situation for everyone in Aberlour.
"Not only the residents and young people but tourists with their families visiting the town and bringing much-needed trade to the businesses of the town. I would urge everyone to go into this and into the future with open minds."
Speaking after the meeting, fellow Speyside Glenlivet member Louise Nicol also welcomed the approval.
She said: "There have been two groups interested in running the park for the community, one with experience and know-how on CATs and the other with new and exciting ideas.
"It should have been a dream team but personalities have got in the way during the process. However, now that the transfer is decided, I sincerely hope, moving forward, this will be overcome and both groups can work together to get the best possible facilities for Aberlour and the wider Speyside community.
"This is such an important spot for locals and visitors and I wish all the best for Aberlour Community Association, who do a lot of work in the town and surrounding area and most recently have done a tremendous amount in their response to Covid."
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