A footbridge, which forms an important pedestrian link to Thurso Cemetery, is to be replaced by The Highland Council at a cost of £400,000. The bridge was lost in the floods of October 2006 - and with it went one of the town's most popular walks.
It has been established that the former Thurso Town Council owned the footbridge and a path linking it to the cemetery and the Council's Transport Environment and Community Services today (Thursday 24th January 2008) agreed that the replacement should funded from the Council's capital programme and maintained by the Council.
Councillor John Rosie, Thurso, warmly welcomed the go ahead for the project.
He said: "This is a much cherished walk in one of the most beautiful and scenic areas of Scotland and the bridge replacement was a major topic during the council elections.
"There will be lots of very happy people in Thurso today who will be looking forward to again having the pleasure of this area restored to them. I hope the work will start immediately as there is not a moment to lose."
The committee also agreed to build a new bridge at Lythmore, Caithness The road has been re-aligned over a temporary bridge due to the collapse of the west abutment The temporary bridge will be made permanent and the existing bridge demolished The cost is estimated at £170,000. Watten Bridge is also to be repaired at a cost of £36,000.
Committee Chairman Councillor John Laing said he was delighted that the Council was able to proceed with the three Caithness projects.
He said the Council had already been awarded £4 million by the Scottish Government towards the costs of the flood damage of October 2006 The Council would complete the outstanding repair work and then submit the details to the Scottish Government for further consideration.
Photo shows the scene at thurso river during the Floods in October 2006 when Highland was hit with very heavy rainfall.
See www.caithness.org/archives/2006/october2006.htm for many more photosof flooding in Caithness at that time.
