Vandals break window and tear down signs at Castletown harbour

ACTS of vandalism have taken place around the harbour area of Castletown, members of the local community council have heard.

John Calder said a window had been broken in an unoccupied house in the Castlehill area of the village while signs were pulled down. He also said that new signs for the picnic area had "been torn down."

The suspicion was that the damage was done by young kids although Mr Calder stressed there was "no proof of that at all."

Colin Gunn, who helps run the local youth club and is one of the group behind the Castletown Development Trust initiative, made it clear he does not condone vandalism but felt youngsters "get a bad press".

"Not all kids are bad. We want to work together to show how good kids are. If you have issues with them why not do something about it," he asked.

Acting chairman, Colin Hossack, agreed and said: "We have some fabulous kids in this village."

Members later heard that Highland Council is aware of issues relating to anti-social behaviour in Castletown and is "investigating them".

However, "nothing of particular note is coming to attention in the Castletown area," according to a report from Police Scotland. It was stated the police have increased their patrols in the area.

The community council had expressed concern about the incidence of anti-social behaviour in the village.

Members again hit out at the lack of Highland councillors and police at the meeting. "It is not good enough that there is no police or councillors here. I am not happy about that," said Mr Hossack.

Mr Calder said there are several unlicensed cars in the village and felt the police "should be dealing with that."

The community councillors were pleased to see some positive developments in the centre of Castletown, including the work being done at the garage, near the shop on Main Street but would like to see some other buildings in that area tidied up.