Council priorities need a shake-up

Sir, – More than eight months ago I reported to Highland Council roads department that the “give way” sign at the Badcaul junction was down. As this was the scene of a fatal accident a few years ago

I felt that it needed to be addressed.

Also some people on holiday don’t appear to realise that this is a junction and can pull out without stopping.

I also pointed out about missing white lines on a new section of road in this area. These are all on the NC500 route.

These have not been remedied despite a few nudges on my part via phone calls. I was told that it was far too cold for anyone to go out and fix them despite being informed in the spring.

But Highland Council did appear without hesitation, public consultation or putting out to tender and organised the erection of parking meters and signage that cost in excess of £4,000 at Gruinard Beach.

The stairway down to this beach was swept away shortly after it was renewed following the winter storms but it took months and months to get anyone out to fix that. It was left in a very dangerous and hazardous state for many months.

A lot of gannets and other seabirds were being washed ashore along this stretch of coast. My partner tried to raise concerns by numerous contacts with our MSP, councillors and Highland Council who turned her towards Defra. They directed her back to Highland Council’s environmental health people who passed the buck again back to Defra.

Nothing was, or has, been done to remove these carcases which dogs were gnawing on – even though it was suspected that these birds had perished due to bird flu.

She constantly kicks sand over them as no one is dealing with this.

It appears that nothing has been done because no one has been trained in Highland Council to deal with it.

It makes such a mockery of attempting to contain bird flu which is devastating the poultry industry when no one appears to be trained nor motivated to deal with what is a potential biohazard in public spaces.

Highland Council – please do the jobs you are paid to do.

And please prioritise the safety of the public.

Jim Sherriff, Badcaul, Dundonnell, Ross-shire.