'Worst street in Thurso' not on roads programme, claims local councillor
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A CAITHNESS councillor has hit out after discovering "the worst street in Thurso" is not included in the roads programme for this financial year.
Donnie Mackay, one of the area's four local Highland Council representatives, expressed his concern about Princes Street to officials at a special meeting of the Caithness Committee held in Wick to approve the roads budget.
"Why is it not on that programme? It is badly needing done and must be the worst street in the town," he said.
Mr Mackay invited council officials to come to Thurso to see the condition of the road for themselves.
Committee chairman Matthew Reiss agreed but said Ormlie Road is also in a poor condition and would take a lot of money to repair. However, it was pointed out the situation there could be improved when the Premier Inn hotel development goes ahead.
Senior engineer Joanne Sutherland said a visit to the the town could be arranged and an estimate given on how much the work at Princes Street would cost.
Councillor Mackay also queried the non-appearance of the Jetpatcher which is used to fill potholes.
"There has been no sign of it in Caithness. We were promised we would see it but it has not been here so far," he said.
Ms Sutherland explained that there were staffing issues when the Jetpatcher was due to be in Caithness last year. When it was due to be in the county there was "no-one to operate it due to staffing issues" but she said the machine is scheduled to visit the area this year.
Councillor Mackay said more staff should be trained to use the equipment and called for better communication from officials about what is happening. That approach was backed by the Caithness civic leader, Councillor Willie Mackay.
He, too, called for more staff to be trained on the Jetpatcher so it can be used when it comes to the far north.
Ms Sutherland said the staff member is back at work now and the council is "looking at training someone else" to operate it as well.
Councillor Willie Mackay said it would be good to get someone else trained on the machine.
