Dingwall Councillor says ‘this feels like a last warning’ after masonry fell from derelict pub
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Dingwall and Seaforth Councillor Sean Kennedy has said that “this feels like a last warning – now we need to see action” after Dingwall High Street was closed due to falling masonry.
Harling was blown off the front of the Commercial Bar – a derelict pub on Dingwall High Street that is in receipt of a 100 per cent tax exemption – sparking an emergency response.
Police and the fire service both attended along with council staff to make the building safe and prevent any more harling falling onto the High Street – leading to its closure for a period of time.
But the event was not unexpected as at the start of September the Ross-shire Journal reported on local concerns not just that the disused bar is an eyesore but also potential a safety risk.
However, no action appears to have been taken in the meantime and concerns are growing that the building is unsafe and may need to be investigated by Highland Council.
Cllr Kennedy said: “First I have got to thank the hard pressed emergency services from the police and fire service for responding so quickly as well as the council staff. They made the High Street safe and that is the most important thing.
“But we did warn about this about six weeks ago so it is time that the concerns of locals are taken on board and action results from this. No one was hurt this time and though I am not pointing the finger at anyone, we need to get together, the council, the local community and find an answer to what is now no longer just an issue but a real problem.
“The High Street was closed for a short period of time yesterday – if something similar happens again what will be the result then? Closed for days, at a time like this? We cannot allow that to happen.”
He added: “This feels like a last warning - now we need to see action.”
