Pothole plague sparks anger in Inverness
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
A “DISGRACEFUL” pothole-plagued road in the heart of Inverness has sparked angry calls for action from local residents.
Fed-up residents of Montague Row have demanded action to tackle its lumpen surface and deep potholes. The damage is being exacerbated by the volume of vehicles using the notorious rat-run to bypass the traffic lights in Tomnahurich Street.
And locals are less than impressed by recent efforts to tackle some of the damage. Neighbours Vera Gawith, Margaret Renfrew and Ron Hughes have all called for action.
Mr Hughes explained that within days of the potholes being filled by Highland Council, they were already being eroded with larger vehicles using the road as a short-cut..
“The council are just patching the job as there is more work planned in the area before tarmac can be put down, and, I understand that, but after a few days the potholes are back,” he said. “Stones are being thrown up too and it’s not safe to park the car here any more.
“Certainly, I feel the central belt get everything when it comes to funding and we’re forgotten about.”
Ms Gawith explained that it was not only the rat-running, but also the speed of the vehicles coming down the road too, adding: “It’s a wonder there hasn’t been an accident, with people avoiding the potholes and avoiding drivers going too fast.”
And Ms Renfrew said she had already had to buy a new tyre due to damage caused by a pothole in another Inverness street, adding: “It’s a disgrace. It’s been going on for too long.”
Inverness and Nairn election candidate Rhoda Grant was contacted by residents. She said: “The council is trying to fire fight, especially after the pandemic, but it has limited resources and a huge backlog. The SNP government comes back with the usual ‘we’ve given councils plenty of money, so they are responsible’ and it does the usual of washing their hands of it. It’s really a disgrace.”
Highland Council was approached for comment on the concerns, but said it was unable to respond in the pre-election period.
Related news: Highland councillors clash over urgent road spend
Related news: Highland Council makes potholes vow after Black Isle residents voice frustration over state of roads
