Caithness roads deteriorating ‘despite extra cash’ says councillor
The far north’s notoriety as a pothole hotspot is safe for the foreseeable future.
Highland councillor Matthew Reiss said the backlog of urgent work has grown despite extra funding the authority allocated to Caithness a year ago.
“The blunt truth is that the number of roads in need of attention has gone up,” said the Thurso and Northwest Caithness member.
He delivered his gloomy message at Thurso Community Council’s meeting last Tuesday.
Councillor Reiss said the roads team is on target to complete between 50 and 60 stretches of the 403 on the Caithness list in the current financial year.
He said this compared with the previous year’s total of 178, subsequently updated to 332.
He added: “There are some roads that need attention right away that aren’t even on the list.
“We’re just not able to keep up with the way the roads are deteriorating.
“The number of roads on the list has been rising over the past three years despite the extra money being made available.”
Related articles:
• Transport secretary Fiona Hyslop urged to listen over roads funding for Caithness
• School run routes should be priority for repairs, says Caithness campaigner
Caithness and Skye were singled out a year ago to get an additional £1.8 million for roads repairs.
Councillor Reiss said: “The reality is that we’re not getting on top of the problem. It’s getting worse.”
Councillor Reiss revealed that no surface dressing has been carried out in Caithness this year. This, he pointed out, is storing up problems for the future.
“It’s like the job enamel does on your teeth. It provides the waterproofing skin for the road surface.”
Earlier, community councillors vented their spleen over particular blackspots in the town.
“Burnside is in a mess. There’s lots of holes in the road,” said chair Thelma Mackenzie.
“The road in Sinclair Street near the library is terrible,” said council colleague Colin Johnson.
“Some of the pavements are just as bad,” added Ian McElroy.
