Thurso town centre fencing condemned as ‘unsightly hazard’ – Owner fears masonry collapse
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Controversial fencing in the centre of Thurso has been condemned as, not just an eyesore, but a hazard for pedestrians, especially the disabled.
The issue was initially highlighted on social media by Thurso community councillor Alexander Glasgow who garnered many negative comments on the “deep displeasure” felt by locals on the Thurso Community Noticeboard Facebook page.
“You can see in the thread the deep displeasure at it,” said Mr Glasgow who stressed that he initially brought the matter up “informally”.
“I can speak only for myself and those who cast their ballot for me, of course. I can be seen to have been raising it since January, so it's been up since then.”
He added: “Community councillors and Highland councillors can relay the public's concerns – and there was almost total [negativity] on the Thurso Community Noticeboard – but ultimately, planning and Health and Safety Executive points like this should be decided upon by the relevant officers who have the quasi-legal responsibilities and competencies.”
The fencing is outside the former M&Co shop on Rotterdam Street which closed down last year and was subsequently bought by Michelle Dinger who also owns other buildings in the centre of Thurso.
Mr Glasgow continued: “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.
“I look forward to a proactive discussion at the Thurso Community Council meeting on April 30 where it has been [put on the agenda].”
Mr Glasgow says he has brought the issue up with Building Standards and noted that Thurso Community Council, after a meeting earlier this year, had invited the building’s owner, Ms Dinger, to discuss the matter.
At that meeting in early February, Mr Glasgow said the appearance of buildings is the “responsibility of the owners”. Regarding the look of the town centre, he asked why the fencing was needed and wondered if there were any issues with the premises.
A comment on Mr Glasgow’s social media post from a man called Charlie Orbell, who said he represents the owner, helps bring a better understanding of the problems face by Ms Dinger..
“We are extremely sorry for the inconvenience for all in the High Street and the community,” he writes.
“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 Orbell states that 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.
“It will only be a matter of weeks and this will be taken down for everyone’s safety. We thank you for your patience,” the post concluded.
Mr Glasgow said: “The owners stated they had been refused permission to examine the stonework before purchasing which I find highly unlikely.”
Thurso and Northwest Caithness councillor, Matthew Reiss, said at the February community council meeting that fencing around a building is usually erected because "there is a problem" and thought signs should be put up there for safety reasons.
Speaking this week, Cllr Reiss said: “There is no doubt that the fencing is unsightly and causing a partial obstruction to the precinct.
“I have been made aware that for people who are visually impaired the fencing is hard to see.
“I mentioned this to the council surveyor a couple of weeks ago and, to his credit, he responded the same day and personally inspected it. He put coloured safety tape on it to improve the situation.
“I assume the fencing is there because of the state of the stonework on the building. We hope that the repairs will be carried out promptly so that the fencing can be removed.”
Some locals have also pointed out how the AIDAsol cruise ship is due to visit this week and the sight of the fencing will be detrimental to the look of Thurso town centre when passengers visit.
Local disability campaigner Louise Smith said that, apart from the unsightly appearance of the fencing, it is a hazard for visually and physically impaired people.
“The Heras fencing, similar to that in place at M&Co, is typically used for temporary measures to ensure security and safety,” she stated.
“Its use at M&Co has dragged on for months, so has exceeded the temporary use. Now a plan to confirm its removal is required. Obstructions like this are a hazard for pedestrians, particularly people on sticks or crutches as well as those with sight issues.
“So for safety reasons, as well as to improve the street appearance, I urge those involved to find a solution.”
