(Continued from first story)The continuing problems in Wyvis Place were raised and PC Urquhart reported that the police were very well aware of them. “We have a positive ongoing inquiry and action is imminent.”

• The Dolphin Centre had “quite a good summer” according to Ann McCreadie. Besides opening on a Sunday, they had opened once or twice during the week as well. The project, based in the old ticket office at South Kessock Pier has been on the go for the last 10 years. It was not possible to expand the building which is damp and unsuitable. “Where do we go from here?” she said.
  A funding options appraisal was underway and Brian Macleod as Community Project Officer was looking at the possibilities. It seems likely that a steering committee will be put together soon. Brian Macleod said that there was a lot of potential there and at Carnarc and he had been seeking out the landowners who appeared to be Highland Council and the Common Good Fund, although it was managed by Housing.
  Ann commented that Carnarc Point was the only bit of natural coastline left in Inverness.

 

• Councillor Peter Corbett reported that a planning application had been lodged for permission to open a sandwich and takeaway in Lower Kessock Street (round the corner from the chemist’s). He hoped it would be refused.

 

• With regard to the redevelopment of Maclennan Crescent, a meeting was to be held on 27th August between the Council and two housing associations, Cairn and Albyn to see their proposals. A decision on the matter was expected on 4th September.

 

• The Grant Street end of Telford and Lochalsh Roads had become a parking hot-spot and there were proposals to make the short and narrow Telford Avenue one-way to limit the many drivers who use it as a short cut despite signs advising that it is for access only.

 

• A local activist from Carse Residents Association had been complaining that the Grant Street car park was being abused, however community council members pointed out that anything referring to the car park should be raised with Merkinch Traders, the facility was no-one else’s business.
  Brian Macleod reported on the various ideas that were surfacing for the creation of the Merkinch website, including an events calendar, business opportunities, local history and a photo archive. To this latter end he was appealing to local folk to bring in their old photographs so they could be copied into the computer and put on the website.
  Brian offered to take photographs of community council members to put on their page, but members thought it would be better to wait until after the elections this autumn!
  He also reported that Merkinch Enterprise and mp33 were entering a joint effort (known as The Merkinch Marauders) into the Raft Race on 13th September.

 

• Complaints were voiced about the state of the lane between the Corbett Centre and the flats. It was only kept up very irregularly and the weeds were chronic, there was a lot of broken glass and also holes in the road. Members also heard that trees at the Corbett Centre were being cut down imminently.

 

• Merkinch Community Council have again nominated Morag Campbell as Highland Council Employee of the Year for all the great work she does for the children of the area, in particular the Early Bird Breakfast Club and After-School Club.

 

• Homestart, the Ross-shire based service for new home-owners, is hoping to set up a base in Inverness, members were told.

 

• The community council’s next meeting is on Thursday 18th September at 7.30pm in Merkinch Primary School.