SP+NK is working with Highland Fencing and Barrier Contractors Ltd as they seek to identify a viable yard space to support their ongoing operations and future sustainable growth.
As part of this process, and perhaps emphasised by SP+NK’s own office being in Househill, we have identified that the stretch of the A939, running generally north to south from the north end of Granny Barbour’s Road to the Househill Business Centre, is a real safety risk. To the north, where the A939 enters Nairn’s 30mph speed restrictions, there is a confusing and poorly lit traffic calming measure, which doubles as a pedestrian and National Cycle Route 1 crossing. This crossing has been the subject of a Nairn River Community Council study in 2021. To the south, the A939 passes through Househill, where the unlit road also serves a pedestrian footpath. The footpath stops approximately 176m short of the Househill Business Centre, home to the Househill Café and Farm Shop, Salon 82, Househill Floors and Ness Furniture and the Netherton Tractor Centre. This final 176m pedestrian route is over the A939. This small stretch is framed on both sides by stone walls, with no pedestrian refuge, no lighting, and inadequate space for 2 vehicles and a pedestrian to pass.
Along this 870m proposed revised speed limit length of road, there are two hazardous corners. Travelling south from Nairn, the first at Househill is marked heading south as a 30mph corner. Heading north, this bend is not advised with any speed limit. Continuing south, the second perilous bend is the blind corner at the Walled Garden, or ‘big wall’. This blind corner has no speed advice on approach from the south, however, approaching from the south, this bend carries a 30mph speed limit.
Between the existing A939 National Speed Limit and the proposed new speed restriction end, 40m south of the Househill Business Centre, there are 39 users accessing the road, from the new Farmer’s Show Field to the various homes who access the A939 directly.
This section of road is used daily for school children making their way to primary and secondary school, by staff who walk to work at the Househill Business Centre, and by all of the homes and businesses accessing the road here. Our refuse collection services, Royal Mail, and all other deliveries have to navigate this section of generally domestic road whilst contending with traffic travelling up to the National Speed Limit.
We want to help make this road safe.