RESIDENTS are calling for CCTV to be installed in a North Glasgow park following attacks on swans.  

Lorna Couper has started a petition urging the council to install security cameras in Springburn Park as "local wildlife is under threat by acts of brutal cruelty".  

It comes after the Glasgow Times reported last week that park rangers were forced to move swans to an undisclosed location after a cygnet was killed following reports of children "throwing rocks" at the birds.  

Three others are also feared to be dead after they went missing from the pond.  

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Countryside Rangers Alexandra Jackson (left) and Allison Greig are pictured with the swans as they were being moved (Image: Glasgow City Council) Lorna, 38, says the issue has been ongoing for "a few years". 

She said: "I grew up in Bishopbriggs, which isn’t too far from Springburn, I run in that park, go for walks with the dog, and I just felt compelled to do something about it.  

"Police said in the absence of any video evidence ‘we can’t do anything about it’, they don’t know who they’re going after."

She continued: "This has been going on for a long time, it’s heartbreaking.  

"Every year we’re losing the cygnets because these youths are coming and mindlessly attacking innocent wildlife. It’s disgusting."

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While the swans have been moved, Lorna says park rangers have said once the remaining cygnet is strong enough to fly it's likely the mating pair will return to the park, with fears they will again be attacked.  

So far, the petition has gained more than 1200 signatures.  

There are already two CCTV cameras in the park, but they do not cover the location where the swans were attacked.  

A spokesperson for the council however said they don’t believe further CCTV would be effective and are focusing on educating children about wildlife crime.  

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Danielle McPhilemy, chair of Friends of Springburn Park, says a lot of people have been "upset and concerned" about attacks and they would like to see more CCTV introduced to the park.  

She said: "I think for the community it’s a big issue, it’s really sad. 

"We’re just a group of volunteers, we try to do things to make the park a bit better, but I don’t think we thought we’d be dealing with animal cruelty." 

Maureen Burke, MP for Glasgow North East, said she supports calls for more CCTV in the park.

She said: "It is heartbreaking to see what has happened in Springburn Park to the swans and cygnets.  

"Anti-social behaviour is never acceptable and it is particularly disturbing when animals or wildlife are being targeted. 

"I wholeheartedly support this petition and the more people who sign it, then the more chance we have of getting CCTV to prevent anti-social behaviour and identify perpetrators."

A spokesperson for Glasgow City Council said: "There are already two public space CCTV cameras in Springburn Park. 

"Although they do not cover the location where the swans were attacked, we have a great network of community support in the area – especially from the 'swan aunties' who help us keep a close eye on the wildlife. 

"Installing CCTV at sites with lots of trees is not ideal, as the leaf canopy can often hinder visibility.  

"Swans are also transient – they move between ponds, so it wouldn’t be that effective. With this in mind, we have no plans to install more CCTV in the park. 

"Education may be the best option in this instance. Our Countryside Rangers are engaging with local schools and the local community police to educate children on the important of protecting wildlife and the seriousness of wildlife crime."

Anyone who witnesses wildlife crime is urged to report it to police.  

You can see the petition HERE.