Work likely to be carried out at Victoria Walk in Thurso
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WORK is expected to be carried out to improve the safety at a stretch of a popular walkway in Thurso.
Concern has been expressed about the condition of a section of the cliff-top path at Victoria Walk between the town and Scrabster. The fencing in an area to the north-west of the caravan park is in a state of disrepair, with some sections said to be held together by bits of string.
It is claimed the walkway is dangerous and could pose a risk to walkers, cyclists and animals.
The matter has been raised by Thurso and Wick Trade Union Council, the local community council and Highlands and Islands MSP Edward Mountain.
At the latest meeting of the trade union council, members heard that an attempt is being made to resolve the issue. A letter from Matt Dent, Highland Council's access officer, pointed out that the affected section of the walk is not on land owned by the local authority.
However, he said officials are aware of the problem and are liaising with the community payback team to carry out work at the site.
Mr Dent explained it is not known who owns the ground in question but he is trying to get work undertaken there.
The news was welcomed by the trade council. Chairman Davie Alexander said: "I find it hard to believe that nobody knows who owns that piece of land, but it seems something is being done and that is good."
Earlier this year, trade union representative James Higney said Sustrans – the UK walking and cycling charity – had expressed an interest in helping out. He contacted the organisation and said the response received was “extremely positive”.
“They are willing to come up to Thurso and go round the walkway and find out about it. They indicated they could fund 50 per cent of the cost of what needs to be done,” he said.
