'Horrendous problems' caused by parked vehicles in Castletown street
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PARKED vehicles are causing "horrendous problems" in a Castletown street, according to a community councillor.
Billy Dunbar, who is the chairman of the village community council, said the situation is particularly bad "at the bottom end of Mackay Street".
"Nothing is happening about it and it is really frustrating," he said.
Mr Dunbar would like to see action taken to resolve the issue and pointed out that when a car went on fire in the area recently, the fire brigade had to go round Mackay Street to get to the vehicle because of the parking problems.
He also called for action to be taken on dog fouling and suggested that the community wardens should be doing something about it.
"They should be checking it out," he stated at a virtual meeting of the community council.
Thurso and northwest Caithness Highland councillor, Matthew Reiss, explained that some staff have been redeployed because of the coronavirus and said the community wardens have to cover " a vast area."
But he added: "For three decades as a police officer and a councillor I have been listening to complaints about dog fouling and it is time dog owners stepped up to the mark. Most are responsible but a selfish minority need to be called out. It is a selfish, disgusting habit."
Mr Dunbar said: "Castletown is really bad at the moment. It is really terrible. The least they can do is pick it up."
Community councillor, Dave Bertram, who is a dog owner, said it is an issue and stated: "I get stuff left out outside my door."
Mr Reiss agreed to see if anything can be done to address the problems.
Earlier, the community council called for a sign to be placed at Battery Road on the outskirts of Castletown to try and stop vehicles such as camper vans going down there. The road is a dead end and used by residents.
Liz Geddes said the vehicles were having to turn into people's gardens or reverse back out on to the main road.
She suggested a sign be erected at the top end of the road stating that access is only for residents and walkers. Farm vehicles could also be included, it was stated.
The community council agreed to pursue the matter with Highland Council.
