Over a hundred Merkinchers have petitioned the Highland Council & the Northern Constabulary to safeguard the play area at Coronation Park.

The petition was the idea of residents of the flats who are sick and tired of:

• Mindless vandalism to the fence.
• Lewd offensive graffiti.
• Glass bottles and beer cans littered everywhere.
• The poor repair of the play equipment and benches etc.
• The use of the play park by certain individuals who consume alcohol and harass residents and members of the public.

The petition has been sent to the local Counsellor, the local MP, The Highland Council & the Head of Castle Security (the firm who provide security for the flats themselves). This has prompted calls for a meeting with the people involved to see what can be done about it.

Unfortunately at the time of going to press, no date has been set for the meeting. Check out September's Issue of the News and Views for a full report of the meeting. Until then some words from those involved.



"I give the petition my full support & we hope to arrange a meeting with the residents of Coronation Park very shortly. The Benula Road/Kilmuir Road Residents and Tenants Association have already called for the exclusion of consuming alcohol in public places and this would go a long way to solving the problem."Counsellor Ali MacLean.

"We will be looking into it with the officials concerned, once this is done, we will be back in touch with the people on the petition." Chris Claridge, Highland Council.

"We have provided security services at Coronation Park for three years now, with regular patrols both night and day. Any acts of vandalism or anti-social behaviour are immediately reported to the Police, either by the security guard or the residents themselves. The situation gets dramatically worse in the summer with larger crowds congregating.

The implementation of a by-law banning the consumption of alcohol would help significantly. Our close circuit cameras attached to the blocks can and do cover the play area, if any crime is recorded, the footage can be used to obtain a conviction." Jim Ferguson, Castle Security.

"I am fully supportive of the efforts locally over maintenance and improvements for the play area. I have already made representations to both the Chief Constable and the Director of Leisure and Recreation." Charles Kennedy, MP for Inverness West.

"I have written to the residents involved re-assuring them that any patrols in the area, will check up on the park. The local beat officers will keep a specific eye on the area. Acting in liaison with the Highland Council, the Police will be monitoring the situation throughout the summer." Superintendent McGhee, Northern Constabulary.