Village people’s concerns must be addressed

Hello and welcome to this week’s edition of the East Kilbride News.

It has been an unsettling time for traders and residents of the Village area of East Kilbride.

The recent armed robbery at the One0-One convenience store has caused alarm; while there has been a recent rise in anti-social behaviour incidents.

Fingers are being pointed in the direction of the Lindsay House homeless unit and, after the News spent time with shopkeepers last Thursday afternoon, it’s clear there are issues which require addressing.

The good news is lines of communication between folk in the area, South Lanarkshire Council (who have overall responsibility for Lindsay House) and the police are open.

Indeed, police patrols are to be stepped up and the local community cops are keen to ensure their presence reassures.

Society has a duty to assist those who are homeless and/or battling drug and alcohol addiction. Those with mental health issues also need practical and emotional support.

Of course, law-breaking cannot be tolerated and those responsible for committing crime can have no complaint if they are pulled up for their misdemeanours.

By working together, the various agencies can help people who have fallen on hard times turn their lives around.

However, the concerns of traders and residents in the Village must be acted upon and the suggestion of a working group for the area is a good one.

Elsewhere in the paper and you can treat yourself at the shops by entering our EK, East Kilbride competition which can be found on page 16.