Council chiefs will investigate installing CCTV in public parks

Renfrewshire Council will look into the possibility of installing CCTV in certain parks and public spaces amid concern about safety in the areas.

- JACK THOMSON, LOCAL DEMOCRACY REPORTER

Cross-party work is set to take place on the issue as the local authority prepares to consider the costs and practicalities involved in such a step.

A motion on the topic was discussed at full council yesterday, following the rape of a woman in Brodie Park, Paisley, in mid-November.

Councillor Graeme Clark, a Labour representative for Paisley Northeast and Ralston, asked for a review of the policy to assist with the "safety and wellbeing" of people.

He said at the meeting: "I speak on behalf of every parent who has hesitated to bring their children to a Renfrewshire park because they simply don't feel safe.

"I speak for every woman who avoids parks knowing that while a space is good for her mental health, the anxiety of being there is just too great.

"I speak for all of the new Scots who are afraid of racial attack, certainly I'm aware of some of that.