GRAFFITI and vandalism in Merkinch is NOT the worst in Inverness, Merkinch Community Council heard at their June meeting in Merkinch Primary School. Community Beat Officer Anne Urquhart said that they had spoken to B&Q and the DIY giant said they had already taken steps to help beat the environmentally disfiguring practice of spray-painting walls.

The store, which is well aware of the problem, has already banned the sale of spray paints to those under 16 years of age. They have also taken fluorescent paint cans off their shelves and are thinking of putting all shades behind a manned counter.

Councillor Peter Corbett said, “I know graffiti looks horrible. Much of the paint comes from B&Q and they were aware of the problem.” “Last week B&Q caught about six people trying to pinch paint. If that’s what they are catching, how many more are getting away with it?” he asked. CBO Urquhart stressed that the firm was being very careful.

With regard to vandalism, she said that these things tended to come in peaks and troughs. The police had been very proactive in this area - all the community beat officers in unmarked cars had been targeting all forms of antisocial behaviour. “Anything which makes people’s lives a misery,” she said.

Councillor Corbett and CBO Urquhart agreed that there were few problems with the vast majority of young people in the area, only a very, very small percentage were involved in anti-social behaviour.

• The new Community Project Officer Brian Macleod addressed the Council and stressed that the involvement of the whole community was vital to make the initial project, a community website, successful. Members heard that it was hoped to have the website “for the people of Merkinch to celebrate themselves and their lives” up and running in July. Mr Macleod stressed that although he was working out of Merkinch Enterprise he was employed by the wider community. Dell McClurg said she thought it important that groups knew that participation in the community website was not going to cost them money.
• Flower baskets have once again been put up in Grant Street, thanks to the generosity of local traders, Councillor Corbett reported. If anyone knew of areas where weed-killing was needed would they get in touch with him.
• The Dolphin Centre had opened the previous Sunday and had been well patronised by local youngsters. Inverness & Nairn Enterprise were to fund an appraisal of a programme of improvements at the former ferry ticket office.
• The Community Council’s next meeting is on Thursday 14th August.