Disappointment at lack of police presence at the monthly meetings

Halfway Community Council have also expressed their disappointment with Rutherglen police, who they claim have not attended any meetings for the past four months.

Members are given the opportunity to ask questions and hear how their local policing team are acting in monthly meetings.

But one resident spoke out at their conference on January 18 and said he was disappointed there was no police report yet again. He said:“I went down to Rutherglen Police Station and spoke to the desk sergeant and gave him dates.

“We know there can be issues and there are other things happening at the time which means they can’t attend. But it is happening with great regularity.”

Another added: “We’ve had an awful lot of break-ins, I read it every day online and residents have expressed their concerns.”

Police inspector Jim Gillespie responded: “Community police officers attend community council meetings and other local groups to provide an update on crime trends, anti-social behaviour and any other emerging issues.

“At the meetings members of the group are also given the opportunity to ask questions and hear how their local policing team are acting to address priority matters. Community engagement is highly important and, subject to ongoing operational matters, there will be police representation at the majority of the meetings.”

It is understood a spokesman for the community council has since had contact from the police who assured him they would have community officers at future meetings.