Work on the refurbishment contract in the Thurso Pedestrian Precinct has now been been completed apart from the laying of coloured bitumen over the tarmac area running through the centre of the precinct and a few other minor works.

The project which cost just over £370,000 was financed by the Highland Council's T.E.C and Planning & Development Services was designed by the councils Wick based engineering team who consulted with the Community Council and members of the public before finalising their plans.

The three Thurso ward elected members authorised a spend of £14,000 from their Ward Discretionary Budget for improvements not covered in the contract and this included the provision and erection of a new electric clock as a centre piece in the precinct, cleaning of the Façade above the shop fronts, refurbishment of the pavement in Durness Street and insertion of directional Caithness flagstones at the Western entrance to the precinct.

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The contract carried out by John Gunn & Sons of Lybster was started in November 2008 and was initially scheduled to be completed in two phases with the second phase due to start in April 2009 however following a request from the local shopkeepers this date was brought forward to allow the completion of the work in one phase.

Councillor John Rosie, one of the three Thurso ward members, said that they were "delighted" with the refurbishment of the pedestrian area and they have had a very positive response from the traders and members of the public.

"The use of Caithness Flagstone has given the area a very attractive appearance whilst also creating local employment. The clock which was funded from the discretionary budget has made an attractive centre piece to the area and the whole scheme fits in well with the Caithness Horizons project in the old town hall."

Councillor Rosie also thanked all those who were involved in planning and construction of the project.

(GK/JM)