People in Wick and Thurso are to be given the chance to have a say in the future development of their towns.

A series of major public events, known as Charrettes, were launched last week.

Representatives from a wide range of groups with varied interests attended a launch event on Wednesday in Thurso and Thursday in Wick to find out how to get involved in the Charrette events, which run from 21 – 27 February.

These events will examine ideas put forward by residents on future development and regeneration across the town centres and surrounding areas.

Local residents, businesses and community groups are being encouraged to participate.

Items on the agenda include housing and business development, community facilities, harbour areas, landscape design, sustainability, 'getting around' and the local economy.

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The outcome of the Charrettes will then be included in a new Local Development Plan for the Caithness and Sutherland area.

Councillor Deirdre Mackay, Area Committee Chairman said: "It’s a long time since such a plan was prepared for these towns so to have the Charrettes at the beginning of the planning process is a really exciting opportunity. By involving people in the process of place-making it will be an excellent way to involve the community in preparing the Local Development Plan for their area. I am sure lots of creative and inspirational ideas will come forward which will build on the proactive work already being done by communities."

Civic Leader Cllr Gail Ross said: "As two major towns in the area these Charrettes will be a fantastic opportunity for local people to understand and directly influence the planning process. It is about capturing everyone’s ideas and aspirations and turning them into actions. Enabling well designed developments in the right places is important but we also need to ensure we safeguard the natural environment."

A team led by architects and community planners John Thompson &Partners (JTP) has been appointed to run the Charrettes with the Highland Council.

(IT)