Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Issues raised at public meeting
IAN BUNTING
An Airdrie councillor has hailed the “great response from locals” who attended a public meeting he organised to address the ongoing issue of anti-social behaviour.
More than 60 people attended Michael Coyle’s event at Four Isles community centre in Petersburn.
The Airdrie South representative was prompted to arrange the meeting to address various issues, culminating in a fire at a block of flats in Calderglen Court in May.
The Advertiser told how residents had a lucky escape after flames spread from a refuse area in the early hours of the morning, trapping families on the top floor until emergency services arrived.
Responding to the meeting, Councillor Coyle told us: “Various issues were brought up by people in attendance, including the recent fire, drug-dealing and anti-social behaviour.
“As well as local residents, some landlords were on hand to hear about the problems people are having to endure.
“There are a lot of matters of concern but the response from people was great and the meeting went very well overall.
“The end result is, hopefully, the installation of CCTV cameras in the area; I am confident this will happen soon and will continue to do all I can to help the people of this community.
“We could have been having a different meeting if somebody had been killed in the recent fire; people pay council tax and deserve better than they’re getting.”
One of the landlords who attended the public meeting added: “I’d like to thank everyone who came along; both tenants and landlords.
“It was a very productive meeting that covered a wide range of issues; I don’t think the councillors could quite believe just how bad things have been.
“Police in attendance told us they had 47 incidents reported in the area last year; but that there was every chance there were even more that weren’t reported.
“They [the police] have promised they will continue to support the community and look into the matters raised.
“Someone could have been killed in the recent fire and it really is time for action.”