Improvements to winter maintenance service
23rd September 2013
Improvements to the winter maintenance service provided by The Highland Council were confirmed by the Transport Environmental and Community Service Committee at its meeting today (Thursday).
A review of priority routes has resulted in a 76-mile increase in the length of Priority One routes to 1,319 miles (31% of the network).
Snow gates are to be installed on the Bealach no Ba - the high route to Applecross, Wester Ross - to close the road in heavy/drifting snow. An alternative coastal route is available.
An improved service on Priority 1 and 2 routes is to be provided on Boxing Day and 2nd January in recognition that they have become busy shopping days.
Three additional snow clearing vehicles - one per operational area - have been sourced for the coming winter.
Sheltered housing footpaths have been included in the schedule of footpath routes.
18 Community Councils have responded to an offer to provide a self-help snow-clearing service.
Grit bins now have a telephone number displayed to allow the public to request a refill.
Councillor Graham Phillips, Chairman of the Council's TEC Services Committee, said: "We are introducing a number of enhancements in response to comments from the public and in recognition of the importance the public attach to keeping our roads and footpaths clear of snow and ice during the winter."
Related Businesses
Related Articles
On Thursday 22 August 2024, The Highland Council's Economy and Infrastructure Committee agreed how, when and where it will enable delivery of development across Highland with the approval and adoption of the Local Development Plan Delivery Programme for IMFLDP2. As in the report recommendations, the committee agree to consult more widely on a draft Highland Delivery Programme.
Intervention by the Scottish Government has led to the suspension of planned industrial action by council workers, including refuse collectors, this week. The action has been suspended by all three trade unions after the Scottish Government provided £77.5 million to fund an improved pay offer.
The Highland Council is reminding individuals and community groups that there is still time to take part in the consultation seeking views on the Draft Community Wealth Building Strategy. This new strategy aims to ensure every area and community across the Highlands can participate in, and benefit from economic activity.
The Highland Council's Environmental Health team is advising caution as blue-green algae has been found in Loch Watten, Caithness. During periods of prolonged warm weather, the chance of Blue Green algae (cyanobacteria) affecting water courses, particularly ponds, lochs and canals (as well as rivers), increases significantly.
Thew John O'Groat Journal highlighted a letter from Thurso Community Council to Highland council. The controversy surrounding the closure of Avonlea Children's home in Wick and the decision to stop respite care in Thor House in Thurso has left people in doubt about the decisions.
The Highland Council is seeking contractors to tender for a Highland Energy Efficiency Framework (domestic and non-domestic). Chair of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee, Cllr Ken Gowans said: "It is vital that local businesses take this opportunity and attend the ‘Meet the Buyer Event' being organised for them in Inverness.
The Highland Council welcomes the introduction of new legislation announced today (16 July 2024) by the Scottish Government that incorporates the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). Convener of the Council, Cllr Bill Lobban said: "The changes introduced will ensure that Highland's children and young people will be included in, and consulted with, on changes to existing policies and on the introduction of new policies being considered by The Highland Council.
The action taken by the Council's roads teams across the Highlands in response to the impact of storms has been recognised. The team were delighted to win the Team of the Year at the recent Highland Council Staff Recognition Awards.
The Highland Council's Early Learning & Childcare (North) Consultation is now live, and we want to hear from those living in the Lairg, Dornoch, Golspie, Farr, Scourie, Durness, Kinlochbervie, Tongue, Wick and Thurso area. The survey is open until Wednesday 31 July 2024.
Highland Council's multi-award-winning renewable energy installation, Hydro Ness, has scooped another national design award. Hydro Ness and designer Leslie Hutt Architect received a prestigious Royal Institute of Architects in Scotland award at a ceremony at the National Galleries of Scotland on 3 June 2024.
