Priorities plea from Highland Council amid concerns over 'lethal' pavements in Wester Ross village of Ullapool
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MEMBERS of the public in a Wester Ross community are being reminded of Highland Council's priority list for gritting after concerns about the treacherous state of pavements.
Maymie Mackenzie took to social media last week to flag concerns about the potentially dangerous conditions in the village of Ullapool.
She said:"Ullapool is an absolute disgrace today. I haven’t seen a bit of grit anywhere, the pavements are lethal, especially for older people.
At the beginning of the week (December 5) we had the first fall of snow and there was no grit then. The lower end of Moss Road in Ullapool never seems to be gritted. We pay our council tax, just like everyone else. YES, I am disgruntled!"
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Ward councillor Cllr Liz Kraft said:"I have not been contacted by any constituent regarding the condition of the pathways in Ullapool. However I have spoken with the ward 5 road officer and have been assured that the pavements in Ullapool have been hand salted and the salt bins all topped up.
"Ullapool Community Winter Resilience Team will help keep the pavements clear and safe in the winter months and equipment for this is provided by Highland Council. The amenities team also support our roads operatives to support footpath clearance.
"I would encourage any constituents concerned about road conditions to contact me directly and I will pass on the roads team immediately. I can be contacted by phone or whatsapp 07760 670205 or on Liz.kraft.cllr@highland.gov.uk"
A Highland Council spokesman said: “We have decided on how and where to grit roads within the budget and resources available. It is simply not possible to grit all roads and paths so we have to prioritise.
"Members of the public are reminded that they can apply for self-help assistance through community councils for salt/grit bins, scrapers and reflective waistcoats where they feel this is most needed in their communities. It is important to note that this does not replace the service provided by the Council but allows the community to provide an enhanced level of service.”
The council's gritting policy can be found here.
