Thurso walking route is being 'ripped up' by motorised vehicles, says community councillor
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A popular walking route in Thurso is being "ripped up" by off-road-type motor bikes, a community councillor has claimed.
Elspeth Husband said the bikes are "chewing up the ground" at the Moors near the Ormlie area of the town and making it "so muddy" it is difficult to access some parts of the site.
She said the bike users are making it hard for people who walk there and for others who exercise their horses at the Moors.
"The main track is totally ripped up. Residents are complaining and hearing the noise the bikes make. The Moors should be accessible for people who want to walk there and for horses but not for motorised vehicles," said Mrs Husband at Tuesday night's meeting
Louise Smith agreed and said: "It is a terrible shame. It was so beautiful up there."
However, Colin Johnston, pointed out that a proper facility for these bikes has been closed and he asked where young people who want to use them are going to go to do so.
"I would have thought the Moors would be the place for it," he said.
Mr Johnston wondered who owned the land there. It was agreed that an effort should be made to try and find out the answer to that question and take the matter from there.
Earlier, members heard that Highland Council engineers are going to review traffic calming measures at the Castlegreen Road junction.
Community council chairwoman Thelma Mackenzie said some kind of crossing is needed for the children going to school but James Campbell felt the situation would be improved if the lollipop person was nearer the junction and could be better seen by traffic.
Former police officer, Bert Macleod, asked how many injury accidents there have been in that area. "There were far more children in that area years ago," he stated.
Rae Smith argued that the situation would be improved if parents refrained from parking in that area.
Colin Johnston claimed the positioning of traffic lights at the bottom of Castlegreen Road is "dangerous" – a view shared by Mrs Mackenzie.
"The whole situation is going to be reviewed so we will see what they come up with," she added.
