PERSPECTIVE: Deep freeze prompts Highland Council to manage public expectation amid coast to coast ice gripes across Ross
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By Iona MacDonald and Hector Mackenzie
DEEP concerns about the treacherous state of roads and pavements across Ross-shire during the current cold snap prompted a fresh bid by Highland Council to try and manage public expectations.
Coast to coast in Ross-shire, concerns were flagged as the deep freeze triggered school closures affecting thousands of pupils and prompted fears that some elderly and infirm people were essentially prisoners in their own homes due to the icy state of untreated pavements.
One “disgruntled” Ullapool woman took to social media to flag concerns, stating: “Ullapool is an absolute disgrace [today]. I haven’t seen a bit of grit anywhere, the pavements are lethal, especially for older people.”
She went on: “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!”
Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh ward councillor Liz Kraft said she had not been contacted by any constituents but added: “I have spoken with the ward five 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”
On the east coast, there were concerns about pavements around South Lodge Primary in Invergordon. South Lodge Parent Council head Lisa Butcher said she had requested a grit bin after being told of problems with pavement gritters. She said at least three children had fallen on the way to school on one day.
She said: “The paths within the school were all gritted by the janitor but the public paths and roads outwith school grounds had not been touched.”
It’s understood a new grit bin will be forthcoming.
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 at www.highland.gov.uk/gritting
Earlier, Highland Council moved to stem complaints at Met Office weather warnings of snow and ice were further extended. It said: “With the current spell of wintry weather forecast to continue for the rest of the week, Highland Council has confirmed that crews across the Highlands are treating roads and pavements in accordance with its Winter Maintenance Policy.
“They are also asking all drivers and pedestrians to be extra careful as generally the road surface temperature needs to rise a little before there is enough free moisture for the salt to work.”
Chair of the economy and infrastructure committee, Cllr Ken Gowans said: “We are experiencing much colder weather than we could expect and, in many areas, we have seen snowfall followed by a sharp drop in temperatures below -5C. The ability of the salt to become effective is reduced in very cold conditions as salt is ineffective below -5C.
“Our crews are up and out before dawn each day and treating the roads in order of priority, main routes first, secondary routes and so on. The forecast for the next week to ten days suggests it will remain very cold throughout the day, giving little prospect of a thaw.
“Please drive to the conditions. Black ice can a very real danger at any time of the day. If you pass one of our gritter crews give them a toot or wave of encouragement, they deserve it.”
The head of roads, Tracey Urry, added: “We have the longest road network of any council in Scotland and unfortunately it is not possible to treat every road at the same time. That’s why we have a priority system to treat the areas in greatest need first. We urge everyone to be extra careful when out and about in these wintry conditions.”
Many communities across Ross-shire have taken to their own virtual online noticeboards to discuss the issue and, in some cases, try to find a way forward. Several already have dedicated volunteers on winter resilience duty who help salt and grit pavements on their own patch.
Meanwhile, parents of pupils unable to attend an eagerly anticipated high school dance in Wester Ross because of bad roads hit out the decision not to rearrange it.
A number of pupils attending Ullapool High School have been unable to make it to classes since due to school transport having been cancelled because of treacherous conditions on the roads.
However the school winter dance went ahead as planned earlier this week, sparking disappointment among parents of those set to miss out.
A Highland Council spokesperson said they were aware of the issue, but added: “After deliberation, it has been found that arrangements which are in place are not easily rearranged, and therefore the decision has been made to continue the event as planned for the majority of the pupils.”
Are you part of a community resilience team supplementing what Highland Council is able to do? Does it work well? Do you need more volunteers? Get in touch with iona.macdonald@hnmedia.co.uk or hector.mackenzie@hnmedia.co.uk
