Anti-social behaviour concerns Problems are ‘getting worse’ Urgent call for working group

Traders are calling for urgent action to revitalise the Village and stem the tide of anti-social behaviour which they fear could drive business away.

Businesses have warned that the conservation area was in danger of becoming a “no-go” zone following a spike in crime and disorder in recent weeks.

Staff at the One-0-One convenience store in Montgomery Street were held up last week by an armed robber in the second incident in the space of a few months.

It followed a heated meeting earlier in the week when furious business owners and residents claimed the South Lanarkshire Councilrun (SLC) homeless unit Lindsay House was at the centre of the recent problems and that its residents were intimidating locals and visitors.

Representatives from Lindsay House and police said there had been an increase in incidents of disorder but they were working hard to tackle them.

Changes have recently been implemented at Lindsay House, involving the council-run homeless unit and the YPeople project which is operated by a charity commissioned by SLC, who work with individuals with dependency issues including alcohol and drugs.

While council officials said at the meeting the overall number of residents has not changed, they confirmed there are a greater number of beds available for the YPeople project.

Traders, though, fear antisocial behaviour is putting their long-term futures on the line.

Jimmy Forbes, who runs a flooring and carpet shop, said: “I have been in business here for 20 years and I have seen more problems in the last five years or so.

“Shopkeepers and locals never had the same hassle.

“I think we need to see more police patrols in the area for a start.”

Another shopkeeper, who wished to remain