Thurso looks to improve ‘atrocious’ town centre
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Thurso town centre is in an “absolutely atrocious” state, according to a community councillor. Billy Sinclair made the claim at last week's meeting when an initiative to try and improve the look of the area was being discussed.
Members acknowledged the work being done by a sub-group of the community council and heard that funding is being sought to tidy up the centre. Efforts are being made to improve the appearance of empty buildings.
“It is looking positive,” said Louise Smith, a member of the Thurso Town Centre Initiative 2024. She explained that the proposals include weeding the area, replanting empty planters and installing large-scale photographs in the windows of unoccupied shop premises.
However, it was pointed out that it is difficult to find out who owns some of the properties. Corinne Nicklin, another community councillor on the sub-group, said there are several places in the town where that is the case.
Gill Arrowsmith said it would be a good idea to find out who owns the premises so something can be done to try and tidy them up.
Community councillor Alexander Glasgow said: “You can’t compel owners to do something about their buildings.” He pointed out that businesses are facing difficult times.
Chairwoman Thelma Mackenzie said action could be taken on health and safety grounds while Mrs Nicklin claimed a negative impression is created when local people and tourists see buildings in a state of disrepair.
“A number of properties are left to go to rack and ruin but the problem is we don't know who they belong to,” she said at last Tuesday's meeting.
Billy Sinclair backed the efforts of the initiative to tidy up the area and said: “The town centre is absolutely atrocious.”
Members said the look of the centre is not helped by the number of closed shops and disused and empty buildings. It was also claimed business rates can act as a disincentive to people starting a business.
Thurso and Northwest Caithness councillor Struan Mackie pointed out that in Aberdeen a discretionary business rates scheme offers relief for “a period of time” to help commercial enterprises in the city centre. Union Street is facing a problem with empty premises and it was felt such an initiative might help.
It was agreed to invite Caithness Chamber of Commerce and the Thurso Community Development Trust to a meeting to see if anything can be done to improve the situation.
Earlier, Hans Dinger, who with his wife Michele owns the former M&Co shop in Rotterdam Street, explained that fencing has been erected around the front of the property for safety reasons while checks are being carried out on the building.
Alexander Glasgow wondered if the fencing was adequately signposted and said there had been reports of “a number of trip incidents” there. He pointed out the property is not a listed one but is in a conservation area.
Mr Dinger stressed that work is being undertaken on the building to ensure it is in a good and safe condition.
