Trees have to be cut down after ‘mindless’ yobs set them alight
This is mindless vandalism and irresponsible behaviour Councillor Stephen Burns
A councillor has slammed “mindless” vandals who torched trees in a Paisley park.
A number of trees in Durrockstock Park in Foxbar were destroyed earlier this week when unruly youngsters set them alight.
Firefighters were called to put the flames out at the popular park, which Councillor Stephen Burns has said has become a hotspot for anti-social behaviour.
He says there have been a number of incidents in recent months which have caused a concern for residents.
The SNP councilllor has teamed up with Paisley’s community policing team in a bid to tackle the issues of youngsters causing trouble, which has seen play equipment vandalised and bins and trees set on fire.
Paisley Southwest councillor Burns slammed the recent behaviour, which he said could have had “far worse consequences”.
He told the Express: “This is mindless vandalism and irresponsible behaviour which has caused irreparable damage to the park.
“It is just lucky it did not spread to any more trees and result in worse damage.
“Having to have these cut down is not only bad for the environment, but also a waste of taxpayers’ money.
“I was more than happy to engage with our community officers in Paisley to help tackle issues of anti-social behaviour in the park.”
Officers in Paisley have been carrying out extra patrols of the area throughout the day in a bid to crackdown on the issues.
Renfrewshire Council has also worked alongside police and felled a number of trees to prevent teens from gathering out of sight.
Inspector Laura Hamill, of Paisley’s community policing team, said officers will continue to monitor the situation and tackle any issues of anti-social behaviour.
She said: “We have been dealing with a number of reports of antisocial behaviour in Durrockstock Park recently.
“This is a well-used public park in the community and we are keen to address any concerns.
“We were happy to engage with Councillor Burns to put a number of measures in place to address issues of anti-social behaviour.
“Tree surgeons have felled a number of trees in a problem area of the park and our officers have been carrying out extra patrols.”