Anti-social behaviour Residents and parents play role in stamping out trouble
A councillor has urged Perth residents not to“suffer in silence” following reports of anti-social behaviour and measures to help combat it by two city schools.
Councillor Willie Wilson has written to residents in his ward following details of a small number of pupils from Perth Academy and Perth High School being involved in vandalism and fights.
The long-serving Liberal Democrat has welcomed both schools’ actions after they wrote home to parents and guardians when the claims emerged.
But he understands that the issue may not be as localised as first stated and has asked those in other nearby streets to get in touch if that is the case.
Cllr Wilson told the PA: “In addition to the problems at lunchtime involving reports from local residents in the Cleeve and Cherrybank areas and also Cedar Drive and Oakbank about anti-social behaviour during lunchtimes and evenings, and particularly at weekends, there is some suggestion that residents in the Viewlands area that this applies to those areas as well.”
He added: “I strongly support the proactive work that Perth High School, Perth Academy and Police Scotland have been doingon this problem.”
The letter urges residents: “Please do not suffer in silence, if you are subjected to anti-social behaviour or vandalism, report the matter to the Police, confidentially if you prefer.”
The councillor says he will do what he can to assist.
A letter was sent home by Perth High School head Thirza Pupillo earlier this month reporting a “range of concerns” had come from students, police and residents, covering anti-social behaviour and issues at the reservoir and at Athollbank.
It stated that police said some of the behaviours were “illegal” and that the school was seeking to stress to pupils about staying away from the reservoir.
The letter also highlighted that all Perth High pupils were safest if they stayed within school grounds over lunch breaks, and asked for parental co-operation.
A spokesperson for Perth and Kinross Council said: “Perth High School has proactively reminded pupils this week that they are expected to behave responsibly and positively when out in the local community.
“The letter to parents/guardians is part of that proactive approach, and a similar letter has also gone to parents/guardians at neighbouring Perth Academy.” Councillor Willie Wilson