'Pathetic signs' no alternative to action on flood-troubled Black Isle stretch of A832 says Garguston farmer as Highland Council warned over fatality risks
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A FARMER on the Black Isle fears someone could be killed or seriously injured if regular flooding on to a local trunk road is not fixed.
Jonnie Martin of Garguston Farm said he and other residents are regularly finding vehicles crashed at the side of the A832 Muir of Ord to Tore road.
The spot that "becomes a river" as soon as the roadside ditch is filled with rainwater is about one mile from Tore beside the house famous for having a real jet plane in its garden.
On Wednesday morning Mr Martin's daughter Rosie texted a warning to him to take care after she had driven the school run, because the road was awash.
Mr Martin said: "My daughter nearly crashed her car such was the flooding. Over the past six months, I’ve assisted two occupants of cars that have skidded of the road and ended up on their sides in the verge at the same location.
"I’ve repeatedly informed road maintenance people BEAR and Highland Council of the danger that flooding poses on this stretch of road. The council has tried to address the problem but haven’t resolved it. It needs proper culverting, not just a pathetic flood warning signs.
"Somebody is going to get seriously injured or worse if nothing is done. I do not think it should be a complicated fix and cleaning the ditches and culverts would be a start."
A Highland Council spokeswoman said: "Our flood prevention team is aware of this ongoing issue and work will be carried out when resources allow. In the meantime safety warning notices will remain in place to alert drivers."
Mr Martin said: "To me this is just kicking the can down the road. This situation is a serious accident waiting to happen."
Related: Flooding on Ross roads – and snow on the way as Storm Eunice gathers force
