CCTV cameras installed in country park after teen drowned

A country park where a teenager drowned in a tragic accident has had four new CCTV cameras installed in a bid to tackle anti-social behaviour and promote water safety.

The cameras were unveiled at Balloch Park in West Dunbartonshire earlier this week by the local authority and Police Scotland after a 16-year-old boy lost his life while playing with friends at the loch on Friday, July 23.

He was one of seven people who drowned in Scotland in the space of a week, with four of the tragedies taking place at Loch Lomond.

An update was brought before West Dunbartonshire Council’s community planning meeting.

Leader of the Council, councillor Jonathon McColl said: “I would like to thank colleagues in the police and right across the council for the way we have responded to both the issues we have had with antisocial and violent behaviour in Balloch Park.

“I would also like to thank them for looking into the issues surrounding water safety. The Monday after that terrible weekend where we had the deaths on the loch, we had a meeting to discuss the issues in Balloch Park and the water safety.

“These are all actions that came out of that meeting. Everyone who has been involved in this project has taken it very seriously and acted extremely quickly.”

During the meeting it was revealed that steps are being taken to update signage and rescue equipment along the loch to prevent further fatalities.

Councillor McColl added: “I am really hopeful that the measures that are being taken will resolve the issues and help mitigate some of the risks.

“A lot of it is down to personal responsibility – people need to look out for their own safety.

“Before they go into a situation they need to research it and make sure that it is safe but we need to make sure that the information is available for people so they can do this.”

Reporting by Local Democracy reporter Catherine Hunter