Anti-social behaviour in Castletown causing concern to community council
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A COMMUNITY councillor has hit out at the anti-social behaviour in Castletown and described what happened at a house in the village as "a disgrace."
Billy Dunbar, the chairman of the Castletown and District Community Council, highlighted the problem at last week's meeting.
He outlined several incidents which happened recently, including the spray painting and vandalism at the public toilets beside the local football pitch, damage to buildings at the site of the former freezer factory and an incident at a private house which resulted in paint being thrown on the walls and path.
Mr Dunbar said what happened at the property was "atrocious" and "a disgrace."
The toilets have since re-opened and although the graffiti was scrubbed out the wall needs to be repainted, it was stated.
"A lot of people don't report these incidents to the police as they are scared to do so and the police then say they can do nothing about it but what happened at this private property was reported to the police," said Mr Dunbar.
Other members also expressed concern about the anti-social behaviour in the village and felt action should be taken to try and catch the culprits.
Meanwhile, the community councillors heard that the public consultation on the trial 20mph speed limit in areas in the Highlands, including Castletown has ended.
It was felt that the system is confusing to motorists as the 20mph limit is in place in some parts of the village but not others such as at the entrances from Dunnet and Wick which are still 30mph. Members also claimed the reduced limit is inappropriate for busy roads.
Community council vice-chairman, Mark Thorn, said 20mph was too slow. Mr Dunbar agreed. "It is too slow on the main roads," he said.
The Scottish Government's National Strategy hopes to expand 20mph speed limits across Scotland and ensure all "appropriate roads in built-up areas have a safer speed limit of 20mph by 2025."
The plan aims to make it safer for people to walk and use bicycles and create more pleasant streets and neighbourhoods.
Highland Council piloted the scheme in over 100 areas, including Castletown and held a public consultation which ended on Wednesday.
Earlier, it was pointed out that work to lower the kerbs in the Murrayfield area of the village under the Safer Routes to School scheme has been completed. Work on the Main Street got underway this week.
