CATHEDRAL MULTI-STOREY SUGGESTION A NON-STARTER - ALEXANDER

12.05.00pm GMT Thu 6th Nov 2008

Highland Lib Dem MP Danny Alexander has expressed strong concern at proposals advanced by SNP councillors in Inverness for a multi-storey car park west of the river, near the cathedral.

Debate has been sparked by proposals to make the existing cathedral car park 'coach only' in an attempt to address problems caused by coaches parking on Ness Walk and Ardross Street.

Former SNP Provost Bob Wynd was reported as saying:

"We have a dearth of private parking there so a multi-storey car park would be good. There is space around there for a coach park, a lorry park and to build a multi-storey car park. The council could do this and make some money."

His call was backed by Inverness West SNP councillor Pauline Munro.

Responding to the suggestion, Danny Alexander said:

"The parking issues in central Inverness need serious attention. The idea of building a multi-storey car park by the cathedral, or on any of the valued green space nearby has alarmed many local people.

"It seems clear that there is little to recommend the idea of coach-only parking in the cathedral car park. The existing space is needed by the cathedral's congregation, and is important at other times to theatre-goers, customers of city centre businesses and those enjoying the river, the Bught Park and the Ness Islands.

"The people who seem to have been excluded from the debate so far are those to whom parking facilities matter most - local residents, local businesses and the cathedral congregation. We need an open discussion about the problems currently arising and how they can best be solved.

"A multi-storey car park would create an eyesore at the heart of one of the Highland Capital's most attractive and distinctive areas. That is simply unacceptable."

Local councillor Janet Campbell added:

"Parking is an issue which I know many local people want to see addressed. There is a constant balance to be struck between residents, businesses and all the different users of the facilities the area has to offer.

"I want to make sure local people are properly involved in the decision so we can find an answer which enhances their area rather than detracting from it."