Published: Thursday, 27th March, 2008 11:55
‘Mindless morons’ wreck ‘Med’ heaven
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FORMER Councillor Charles Ingle surveys somem of the damage to his garden
A COMMUNITY leader has slammed the “mindless morons” who wrecked an eye-catching floral display in one of Haddington’s historic vennels.
At around 9pm last Monday, a group of eight to 12 youths scaled a fence and smashed numerous potted plants and planters arranged in the private garden – described as a “wee bit of the Mediterranean” in Haddington – belonging to former councillor Charles Ingle in Ross’s Close.
The gang also threw stones and soil at Mr Ingle’s windows before making off.
The incident left the former member for Haddington East/Athelstaneford, who is secretary of Nungate Gala and Community Association, stressed and shaken.
He claims the wanton damage is indicative of the ongoing antisocial behaviour taking place in the town’s closes and is demanding the immediate installation of long-awaited security gates.
“There is not a Friday or a Saturday morning when there are broken bottles lying in the town centre closes, creating a danger to the residents and children,” he said.
“I am at the end of my tether, as are most other local people.”
Last October, the Courier reported how frustrated residents had resorted to smearing fat on bollards in an attempt to prevent gangs of drunken louts from congregating in the town centre closes.
At earlier public meetings, householders voted unanimously for the installation of security gates at three closes amid mounting public anger at the late-night disorder.
Police have received numerous complaints about foul and abusive language, people urinating in public, and about vandalism. There has also been at least one reported incident of people having sexual intercourse in the darkened closes.
Residents are also unhappy with the current level of CCTV coverage of the area, which they believe is inadequate.
“I am not blaming East Lothian Council for the behaviour of local youths, but last year we were promised these security gates were on the way,” said Mr Ingle.
Jan Wilson, chair of Haddington and District Community Council, sympathised with Mr Ingle.
She said: “It is such a shame. Charles had his garden looking lovely and it really brightened up the close. You walked through and it was like a wee bit of the Mediterranean.
“The people who caused all that damage are just mindless morons. I don’t know how they can get any fun out of making people’s lives a misery.
“We have been going on about these anti-social behaviour problems at the community council for some time and I don’t know why there continues to be a delay in putting the security gates up.
“They cannot come soon enough.”
A council spokesman said the authority was unable to provide an update on the issue of security gates for the closes as the relevant official was on holiday.
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