Inverness’s re-elected provost has declared war on people loitering and spitting in the city’s streets.
Helen Carmichael wants bylaws introduced to toughen up policing of the issues that she says are damaging the reputation of the Highland capital.
She has taken soundings from city businesses and the police and is confident colleagues will back her campaign to punish offenders.
“Spitting in the street has become a growing problem in Inverness, I see it an awful lot,” she said.
“There’s no law against loitering. I’ve spoken to the police and I’ll speak to the new commander. There must be a way that we can move people on who are disrupting the city centre.”
Councillor Carmichael said she had raised the issues with senior officers but the force was limited in the action it could take because loitering is not regarded as an offence.
“We need to think of new bylaws,” she said. “I’ve thought about this for a long time.
“I’ve had interim discussions with some shopkeepers and asked if they’d go the extra mile themselves and, for starters, go the extra mile and clean the pavement in front of their business, if they don’t already do so. I’ve had some positive feedback from retailers with a number saying they’re prepared to do that.”
Mrs Carmichael said she would discuss the bylaw proposal in more depth with council officials and police before taking it to her committee colleagues.
She was unopposed yesterday after being nominated for a further term as provost.
The city committee also agreed to retain the position as provost and political position city leader as a single role.
Her appointment in 2015 broke a 600-year tradition of male provosts in Inverness.
Pledging to work tirelessly for residents, she said: “I’m honoured and delighted and would like to thank councillors Margaret Davidson and Jimmy Gray for nominating me, and members for electing me to serve another term.”
Mrs Carmichael is one of four councillors for the Aird and Loch Ness ward. She was first elected in 2004.
Graham Ross was elected to the new post of deputy provost and Inverness area leader.l Bet McAllister was appointed deputy provost.
