At a recent Community Council meeting held in the Merkinch Primary School the following matters were discussed:

• The notice board in Grant Street - both Donnie Kerr and Hugh Nimbly contacted the joiners and have been assured that the necessary work will be carried out. Donnie pointed out that he has adjusted the locks himself.
• CCTV - The Partnership working on the bid for CCTV cameras in Inverness has decided that there is more chance of a successful outcome if the bid is submitted for only one of the four areas. Since the required funding has been pledged from the private sector the targeted area is Chapel Street/Grant Street. The Community Council has been asked to send a letter supporting this bid.
• Policing in Merkinch - Anne McCreadie read out a reply from Ramsay McGhee in which he states that Constable Ian Morrison will be replaced as a beat officer at the earliest opportunity. He also stated that there was a number of separate incidents attended by his officers in a two week period. It is believed that Constable Norman Macleod is currently on other duties.
• SIP’S - an update of the project was given. The Youth Development Worker’s post is to be advertised and legal work for the premises on Grant Street finalised.
• Councillor Corbett had left a message that there is nothing new to report at this stage but talks with the Police regarding the problems in Merkinch are ongoing.
• Survey on Service Provision - a lot of time was taken working through this survey sent out by George McCaig of the Best Value Team. The letter enclosed with it was dated the 20th October and the survey has to be returned by the 5th November - not enough notice for the Community Council meeting on a monthly basis.
• Keith, the janitor of Merkinch Primary School is retiring shortly and Dell has been asked if the Community Council would like to make a contribution towards a presentation. It was agreed to donate £25. It was pointed out that progress is being made regarding the Health Facility in Abban Street.

THE DATE OF THE NEXT MEETING IS WEDNESDAY 8 DECEMBER IN THE MERKINCH COMMUNITY CENTRE AT 7.15PM