Trouble flares again after CCTV is removed
Community hits out as anti-social behaviour soars
A community watchdog has slammed the decision to remove CCTV cameras from a disorder hotspot in East Kilbride.
East Mains Community Council say residents have long complained of under-age drinking and anti-social behaviour around Highfield Place.
The area was littered with rubbish and broken glass, with a dog walker sharing pictures of his dog’s sliced paw on social media.
Police patrols were stepped up in the area and in December CCTV cameras were installed, but they have now been moved elsewhere.
Chairman of the community council Bill Arthur said: “We have raised the problems at Highfield Place time and time again over the years. And much to the relief of residents, extra police were deployed and CCTV cameras installed – it’s a travesty that this has now been taken away.
“It’s counter-productive as well. Things have only improved because they were there. Take them away and the people who were causing all the trouble will only return. It is ridiculous they aren’t kept in situ.
“You would think the council would have the resources to keep the cameras where they are needed.”
The resident who slammed louts after his dog’s paw was badly injured, has also hit out at the decision.
He said: “Since the CCTV was fitted in December there has been just one police incident, but in the last couple of weeks, since it was removed, the police have been down here three times. The youngsters are hanging about again, the litter and drink bottles have increased. We are back to square one.
“What’s the point of only having the CCTV here for a few months? It’s absolutely ridiculous and it’s people like us that have to live here and put up with it.
“I won’t walk my dog through the tunnel in case the broken glass gets as bad again.”
Councillor Joe Fagan, who called for action to tackle disorder in the area, said it was “really disappointing” that anti-social behaviour has started so soon after the removal of the cameras.
He told us: “The roving cameras were always going to be placed in the area on a temporary basis before being moved on.
“But it’s really disappointing the complaints have started coming in as soon as they have been moved. What the past few weeks have shown is that the CCTV has absolutely worked as a deterrent.
“With the cameras now moved on, the council and the police need to cooperate to deter the anti-social behaviour that has already started up again and which is a constant nuisance to residents and walkers who have every right to feel safe using the underpass.”
The council’s executive director of housing and technical resources, Daniel Lowe, said the CCTV had “had a positive effect with no further incidents of antisocial behaviour” since it was put in place.
He added: “We take complaints of anti-social behaviour seriously and are committed to working with our partners and local communities to tackle the issues and provide reassurance.”
Incidents of anti-social behaviour can be reported to the council, police and by emailing asb.housing@southlanarkshire. gov.uk.