Neil Bibby MSP has written to Renfrewshire Council Leader Iain Nicolson and Chief Executive Alan Russell demanding urgent action on CCTV in Paisley’s public parks, following the rape of a young woman in Brodie Park.
The letter, dated 26th November 2025, raises concerns about what Mr Bibby describes as “inaction” from the council after repeated warnings, public petitions and police appeals for CCTV footage. He has also asked for a meeting with both senior figures and Labour Group Leader Cllr Iain McMillan “at the earliest possible opportunity”.
Mr Bibby highlighted that he first called for CCTV in Barshaw Park in summer 2024 after residents raised safety concerns, but claims he was told by the council that it was “not a priority.” He wrote again on 1st April 2025, and followed up on 7th April—emails he says went unanswered.
Earlier this year, reports of unidentified men filming children in Barshaw Park led to widespread alarm. Police Scotland had to appeal for private CCTV footage because no council-operated cameras were in place. More than 1,000 residents signed a petition supporting CCTV for the park, and Mr Bibby said he also received “significant contact” from people calling for CCTV in all public parks.
Renfrewshire Council confirmed today that councillors will have the chance to discuss park safety at a forthcoming council meeting where a request to review the matter has been put forward.
The council committed to reviewing CCTV provision but no additional cameras have been installed in Paisley’s parks. Robertson Park in Renfrew has CCTV, but Barshaw Park and Brodie Park do not.
Following the rape in Brodie Park, Police Scotland again appealed for private CCTV as part of their investigation. No arrest has yet been made.
Mr Bibby’s letter questions the council’s stance, stating there can be “no justification” for failing to roll out CCTV in parks when both police and public support it, and when serious crimes continue to occur. He argues there is “no need for another review”, adding that “the evidence is there.”
In the letter, he asks the council three direct questions:
• What more evidence does the Council require to deem it necessary to install CCTV at Brodie Park and other public parks?
• For what specific reason did the Council not install CCTV at Barshaw Park and other public parks given the public and police support for it?
• What are the Council’s priorities if rolling out CCTV in public parks to deter serious crime is ‘not a priority’?
He ends by urging the council to reconsider its position, writing: “The wrongs to any victim cannot be undone, but the inaction of the Council in refusing to install CCTV in our parks can and should be undone tomorrow, if there is the will.”
Mr Bibby said: “The rape of a young woman in Brodie Park was horrific and appalling. My heart goes out to her and I would urge anyone with any information to contact the Police.
“I know the public supports CCTV in our parks. I know the Police support it. The Council have ignored these calls and don’t view it as a priority.
“What more evidence does the Council need? CCTV can deter crime, help identify offenders and make people feel safer. The people of Paisley deserve the same protection offered elsewhere.”
A Renfrewshire Council spokesperson said: “The safety of everyone in our communities is paramount and we regularly review the current CCTV provision in Renfrewshire in line with our approved policy.
“This is an ongoing process which helps identify if any alterations are required and councillors will have the chance to discuss this further at the forthcoming council meeting where a request to review the matter has been put forward.”