Call for action on flooding which affects town centre shops and businesses in Thurso
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FLOODING problems in the centre of Thurso have to be resolved as they are impacting on shops and businesses in the town, according to the community council.
Members held a special meeting this week to discuss the situation and want "something to be done" on what is a
recurring issue.
Colin Johnston said the flooding in Traill Street has been happening for years and and called for action. He said: "These shops are paying a lot of money in rates and seeing their trade affected by flooding. The water is gathering in Traill Street and the drains can't cope with it. It is wrong and Highland Council and BEAR – responsible for the A9 road – have got to sort it out."
Billy Sinclair said the water runs down from Olrig Street into Traill Street and claimed the drains don't have enough capacity to deal with the problem.
"We are the land time forgot but we should not be accepting it and should be doing something about it. If they can find the money to help prevent flooding in Inverness why not here. If it is good enough for Inverness it should be good enough for us. We should not accept this. If we do, it will never get any better only worse," he said.
Mr Johnston said: "They don't care about us here."
Thurso and Northwest Caithness Highland councillor, Struan Mackie, explained that money from the Scottish Government was ring-fenced for tidal flooding and Inverness was ranked higher than the far north but he agreed that the problems in Traill Street have "a direct impact on shops and businesses."
His fellow Thurso councillor, Matthew Reiss, said some work had been done on the drains after the previous flooding but it was "cosmetic." He suggested taking the issue up with local SNP MSP, Maree Todd, as Highland Council does not have the money to deal with the number of roads which need repaired. "It is totally beyond the council's budget to sort it," he said.
On tidal flooding, community council chairwoman, Thelma Mackenzie, pointed out that the Thurso River is "vulnerable" and has flooded in the past. She argued that Highland Council should look at its pay structure if it wants to recruit more staff to address these issues. "What they offer is peanuts. They would be able to get people if the pay was better," she said.
Treasurer, Elspeth Husband, said: "We are seeing the effects of climate change and we need to take action. Shops are being affected by flooding. If we lose some of these businesses it would be a big loss to Thurso. Small businesses are one of our biggest assets and are needed to maintain the heart of the town."
Iain Gregory also called for action. "This has been going on for years and we can't allow it to continue." He suggested writing to Highland Council, BEAR, and local MSP, Maree Todd in a bid to address the problem. The Caithness Chamber of Commerce also is to be contacted for its views.
Mrs Mackenzie said: "There has to be a reset here and this issue has to be looked at seriously."
Mr Johnston agreed but added: "You will have a hell of a job trying to sort it out as it has been going on for so long."
