More cash could be spent on Highland roads, says Caithness councillor

MORE money could be spent on Highland Council roads if there is an underspend in this year's budget, according to a local councillor.

Matthew Reiss, who represents Thurso and Northwest Caithness on Highland Council, said if that is the case the money will be used to invest in the region's road network.

He said the local authority is "heading in the wrong direction" when it comes to spending on roads but he stressed it has a much bigger number of roads in its area than other councils. He said the natural life of a road is about 30 years.

Cuts in budgets have exacerbated the difficulty in recent years.

Speaking at the latest meeting of Castletown and District Community Council, he said: "We could be heading for an underspend this year, although that could change. If there is an underspend then we will invest in our roads – that's the intention."

However, Councillor Reiss explained that there are more than 80 projects waiting to be done and there are only so many the council can do.

Community council chairman Billy Dunbar said it was a pity a levy could not be put on the big lorries that use the roads.

Councillor Reiss said it had been estimated that one of these lorries can do the damage of 1000 cars. "It is a significant problem," he added.

Earlier, members heard that the vehicle site at the Mossy – just outside Castletown – is being tidied up following complaints about its condition.

Community councillor John Calder said: "They are doing a good job now and the work is about 80 per cent complete."

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