A north “ghost town” is to have new life breathed into it as local councillors unite to hold a public meeting.
The closure of a number of long-standing Wick businesses – including two national retailers – has left many fearing for the future of the town centre, but four local councillors have united to take matters into their own hands.
Councillor Nicola Sinclair said she was clear that Wick had a very good future.
Ms Sinclair said: “The town centre at the moment is a bit like a no man’s land. There are lots of developments going on around the harbour area and the river area is a thing of beauty – but when you get to the town centre it is a bit like a ghost town.
“There are lots of reasons for that, including out of town shopping, the online offer – people are not using the high street the same way as they used to.
“But that doesn’t mean people will not use the high street. At the moment Wick town centre is very uninviting.
“There is what can only be described as a lot of concrete – it needs a shot in the arm to turn it around.
“We have called on like minded people who have a shared aspiration to make it better to meet in the town hall on April 16 at 7.30pm.”
Among the councillors’ plans is one to create a brand for the town, and a marketing slogan.
Councillor Raymond Bremner added: “We have put politics aside and all four ward councillors are working together on this.
“We want to give people lots of reasons to come back in again.”
In another blow to the town’s business community, nearly a quarter of flights from Wick John O’Groats to Aberdeen in October and December were pulled, and many more ran behind schedule.
Operator Eastern yesterday admitted its performance on the route had fallen short, in terms of punctuality, but pledged to maintain the link.
Roger Hage, Eastern’s commercial and operations general manager, said: “We remain committed to offering Wick John O’Groats the only multi-daily service to aid connectivity to Caithness and Sutherland.”
Councillor Willie MacKay, said the delays were unacceptable: “We will need to work together to find a solution.”