Fix-it wait over as Evanton bus shelter activists go DIY
EASTER Ross community stalwarts fed-up with endless delays over the repair of a vital bus shelter took matters into their own hands - and did it themselves.
The Ross-shire Journal first reported on issues with the shelter in Evanton’s Balconie Street some EIGHT YEARS ago.
Villagers had been left shivering in the vandal-hit bus shelter through the worst of winter and gale-force winds.
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The lack of several large glass panels in the shelter had left bus users at the mercy of the elements.
Highland Council said back in October 2018 that glass panels had been measured up with replacements expected within weeks.
However the delays continued until the local community council decided to take action itself.
Evanton local Preston White, a regular attendee at community council meetings, said it had become “a standing joke” at meetings when the issue was raised under any other business month after month.
Kiltearn Community Council chairman John McHardy suggested locals fix the problem themselves and set about ordering the required steel. Mr McHardy and Mr White were joined in the endeavour by engineer John Ross.
The work has made “a vast improvement” with a number of grateful locals commenting on the difference it has made.
The council is within an area of Easter Ross which benefits from some windfarm community benefit funding.
Looking back, Mr White said: “I remember being in the bus shelter in a blizzard before and the wind just swirled around inside. It was no fun if you were waiting for a bus - and that could take some time in itself!
“My wife was down there and a couple of people commented on what a difference the work had made.”
Mr White added: “This is the time of year when the work will be appreciated.”
