Thurso eyesore/hazard fence removed after pensioner falls – community activist foresaw ambulance access issue
An obstructive fence which held back an ambulance from accessing Thurso’s precinct when an elderly woman was injured has finally been removed.
The issue was originally highlighted by local community activist Alexander Glasgow back in April this year who condemned the “eyesore” fencing as an “obstruction both to pedestrians and emergency vehicles”.
“I’m glad it’s gone and in the future, the owners and their representatives should discuss this with the town,” said Mr Glasgow.
He said that the HERAS fence had been put up in January to guard against falling stonework from the former M&Co shop which had been bought by local businesswoman Michele Dinger. A rep for Ms Dinger had said: “The owners do not want a repeat of the masonry collapse on Traill Street last year at the former Clydesdale bank when huge sandstone blocks fell onto the road and pavement.”
The issue came to a head recently when an 87-year-old resident stumbled and fell in the precinct on Saturday, July 27 due to unguarded bolts on the pavement where street furniture had been removed. According to eyewitnesses, an ambulance could not access the area where she fell due to the HERAS fencing at the end of Rotterdam Street. The ambulance crew vacated their vehicle and walked to the area where the casualty was being comforted by passers-by.
A local woman, who wished to be anonymous, posted a social media comment to raise awareness of the issue and wrote: “Please everyone be very careful walking on the pavement outside Aurora and Semichem. They have removed two benches leaving small metal spikes.”
She went on to say that an elderly woman “tripped and smashed her head and hurt her arm” and also her glasses were broken. “It was horrible,” she added. There is now another bench covering the trip hazard that was moved across the road from Messy Nessy, she also said.
Apart from the issue of the uncovered bolts, various residents, along with Mr Glasgow, foresaw issues with the fencing and access for ambulances when replying to one of his posts on Thurso Community Noticeboard.
“Certainly, the fencing would provide no protection from a roof-fall. If the roof is unsound, it should be secured. If it's stable, the fencing should be removed. I have heard of trip injuries occurring. It also is a poor image for tourists,” said Mr Glasgow in April.
Charlie Orbell, who represented Ms Dinger, previously stated: “We are extremely sorry for the inconvenience for all in the High Street and the community.
“We were shocked at the dangerous state of the stonework on top of M&Co which, despite repeat requests, we were not allowed to inspect before buying the building.
“This matter should have been taken care of 20 years ago and we are doing everything we can for the engineer report to explain how to take it down. When this has been properly done, the stone will come off not down.”
Mr Glasgow found the comments rang hollow and said: “The owners stated they had been refused permission to examine the stonework before purchasing which I find highly unlikely.”
It is not known if an inspection of the roof has been successful and stonework secured as Mr Orbell no longer works for Ms Dinger and was unable to comment on that aspect. However, when told about the ambulance access issue last week he was able to liaise with Ms Dinger and said the matter would be promptly dealt with. On Monday morning the fence was finally removed.
Thurso and Northwest Caithness councillor, Matthew Reiss said: “Emergency vehicles must have access, no ifs or buts, unless there is a compelling safety issue with the building.”
Cllr Reiss had called the fenced area a “small but prominent eyesore" and had been in regular contact with the council surveyor who was monitoring the area for safety concerns.
Mr Glasgow had also highlighted the unsightly appearance of “birthday bedsheets” that had been put up on the fencing that often ended up “remaining for an extended period”.
He said it was “disappointing” that the fencing was in situ for over six months and acting as an “obstruction both to pedestrians and emergency and other access vehicles”.
