Positive discussions have taken place between Caithness Councillors and representatives from Wick and Thurso community councils earlier today (3 December 2015) over plans to ensure the budget savings for Community Services can be met.
Whilst managing to provide the £63,000 saving necessary in Caithness, the Wick Nursery, which was earmarked for closure, has been retained, albeit delivering a reduced level of service. This specifically relates to annual planting so shrubs and rose beds will continue to be maintained as normal.
This will result in a reduction of 3FTE posts which will be will be managed through the Councils vacancy management.
Councillor Gillian Coghill who chaired todays meeting said: A lot of hard work has been done to get to this position and I would like to thank everyone for their input. We will be working closely with communities to identify top priorities for next years annual planting to make sure we get the most from the resources we have.
Caithness Civic Leader Gail Ross added: I am absolutely delighted that we are able to maintain a level of annual planting within the county. It's essential that we maintain colour in our towns and villages for tourism but also to keep our public mood up in what is a bit of a grey time financially.