Highland Council funding noose getting tighter, says Matthew Reiss
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A CAITHNESS councillor has claimed the funding noose around the local authority is getting tighter every year. Matthew Reiss, a Thurso and Northwest Caithness ward representative, made the comment at a meeting of the Castletown and District Community Council when he was asked about street cleaning services.
Chairman, Billy Dunbar, said the street cleaning machine, which is based in Thurso, is not seen in the village. He pointed out that the drains are clogged up and wondered why the street cleaning machine is not clearing them out. Mr Dunbar said the water cannot get into the drains and stays on the roads.
Councillor Reiss said the local authority does not have enough staff due to its financial constraints.
He explained that the street cleaning machine covers Sutherland as well. “They are doing their best but they need more staff. It means a long-term decision by Highland Council but they can’t do it because every year the noose gets tighter. Caithness and Skye have managed to get some extra money but as a result other places get less,” said councillor Reiss at last week’s community council meeting.
He also claimed some basic road maintenance is not getting done because of the financial situation.
Councillor Reiss said some people think the Castletown to Dunnet road is single track because the white lines are not being painted.
Emergency repairs are undertaken but the resurfacing work has been stopped because of the winter weather, he stated.
Earlier, members heard that some pot holes in parts of the village have been filled in but others have not.
Meanwhile, the community council is concerned that a trailer, containing a number of baths, has been parked at the car park near the junction of the Castletown and Dunnet A 836 road for some time.
