Nairn businesswoman raises fears for safety over youngsters' behaviour
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She says she has seen a range of damage done by groups of youngsters in Nairn town centre.
“They’re putting their lives in danger and are causing a lot of damage to properties,” said Marie Matthews of the Nairn Wool Shop in Falconers Lane.
In recent months the town has been hit by a spate of vandalism, with fittings at the public toilets near the shop being regularly damaged.
Recently the only toilet block on the Links had to be closed for repairs after extensive damage was caused to both gents’ and ladies’ loos.
The cost of the damage has not been calculated but restoration and the clean up could run into four figures, apart from the inconvenience of the facility being closed.
Ms Matthews, who has been in business in Nairn for over 20 years, said she has seen groups of youngsters congregating outside the toilets near her premises and running over the roof of her shop.
“They had pulled flowers from the tubs provided by Nairn Bid and threw them on the roof. We also found a football boot which could have fallen from one of their bags.
“A drainpipe was also damaged and had to be replaced and as recently as last weekend one of our signs in High Street was removed and that will cost £200 to replace.
“Apart from the cost of bringing in someone to clear the roof there is a real danger they could get seriously injured.
“A lot of people put a lot of effort into making the town centre a nice place for shoppers and it’s sad that the youngsters don’t see the harm they are causing and the danger to themselves.
“I’m not trying to tar them all with the same brush. We have many really good young people in the town but there’s probably just a small group of them who are causing quite a lot of damage.”
Ms Matthews’ son and business partner Adam Thompson said: “My mum moved her business from The Brae four years ago and as well as the wool shop we provide a Knit and Natter social group workshop which has over 100 members. I was a confectioner before with Asher’s but have learned to knit, crochet and sew and our group are members of the Nairn yarnbombers so they do a lot of work helping the community.
“I’ve witnessed incidents in the High Street myself. It’s very disappointing when this sort of thing happens as many small businesses are facing challenging times.”
In his regular newsletter to constituent Councillor Paul Oldham said: “Vandalism in public toilets is a recurring problem but the incident at both the ladies and gents toilets on The Links was particularly extreme and it may take some days to rectify.
“Highland Council are working hard to get them back into commission as soon as possible although at some cost. It is depressing that we are having to spend council tax payers’ money and officer time on this which diverts resources from council works and services.
“We do seem to be suffering from a general increase in vandalism and anti-social behaviour around Nairn at the moment. If anyone witnesses any incidents or is affected then please report it to police on 101 or phone Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
“It’s only by doing this that we will ensure that the police take this issue seriously.”
