NOISY late-night revellers, muggers, assorted loiterers, vandals, boy-racers and thieves - look out!

Security cameras in Grant Street are now sure to go ahead in the next few months following the Scottish Executive's agreement to match local funding to the tune of £27,500. The green light has also been given for another camera in Chapel Street, which leads from the bottom of Academy Street to the Black Bridge.

The project was only able to get such support thanks to the generosity of local bodies such as: Grant Street Traders' Association - £4000, Merkinch Community Council - £1000, Highland Council and Highlands & Islands Enterprise - £8750 each, and a large Inverness company - £5000.

Driving force behind the extension of CCTV to the Merkinch area was the Grant Street Traders' Association whose chairman Jim Smith said: "We are delighted.

"The scheme was thrown out last year, but we persisted and now we look forward to seeing that our streets are safe for people to walk at night."

Merkinch councillor Peter Corbett also welcomed the news and said that the community was wholeheartedly behind the scheme.

"I am glad the bid was successful. Grant Street traders and the community council have put up their share and shown their commitment, unlike some of the town centre shops."

Next areas likely to be in the spotlight of the camera are the Carse industrial estate and the Longman.