Wickers praised for participating in town centre rejuvenation project
THE people of Wick have been praised for playing their part in helping to boost the town centre.
Public meetings were held on Thursday involving Highland Council, the Royal Burgh of Wick Community Council and Sustrans Scotland to discuss ways of rejuvenating High Street and the surrounding area.
Sustrans Scotland – a charity that seeks to create “liveable neighbourhoods” and transform the urban environment with “happier and healthier” spaces – is helping to design a new look for the town centre in order to make it more attractive to residents and tourists and also more accessible.
Wick residents were invited to drop in to Caithness House for an open session on Thursday afternoon where their views were put forward to councillors and Sustrans representatives.
The civic leader, Councillor Willie Mackay, said: "I'm very pleased to see so many people at Caithness House coming along and presenting their ideas.
"It helps that the sun is out, of course, but I believe that people who live in Wick are very keen to see what can be done to give the town centre a lift.
"There have been ideas shared regarding parking issues, improved seating areas and the pavement and cobbles around Market Square breaking up.
I believe that people who live in Wick are very keen to see what can be done to give the town centre a lift.
"The general feeling so far is that folk want to see the place brightened up which will not only make it a more attractive place to live and work in but will also have tourists, who would normally pass through the town, stop and have a look round and maybe spend some money to boost our local economy."
A further session was taking place at the Pulteney Centre on Thursday evening.
The Wick Street Design project aims to improve the pedestrianised zone of High Street, including Market Square and the two pedestrian crossings on Bridge Street.
An interactive project website is open until October 23 to allow people to submit their comments and ideas here.
Comments can also be submitted in writing until October 23 at Morag’s Café, the Pulteney Centre, the Co-op store and Tesco.
