NAME THE BURNHILL MISERY MAKERS
Council’s call-out to residents
Residents in Burnhill are being asked to name those who are making life in the community a misery.
South Lanarkshire Council has sent letters to households calling on them to help the authorities in the fight against anti-social behaviour.
The latest incident saw a caravan set alight in the second arson attack in the community this year.
The caravan on Western Avenue was set alight at 7.50pm on Monday, April 17.
It happened three months after a flat on the same street was deliberately set on fire, allegedly by two teenage boys.
In a move to address the deliberate fire raising - which has seen people evacuated from their homes - South Lanarkshire Council is asking locals to name those who are destroying their community.
The Reformer understands people living in the Western Avenue and Toryglen Road areas have had their daily lives blighted by vandalism and violence.
One man, who did not want to be named, said: “Kids have already set a flat on fire and assaulted an elderly lady behind the arcade and they’ve smashed a window in the drying area of a flat.
“I have had four letters in recently from the anti-social behaviour team which is meant to be dealing with this, but they appear to be making zero effort.”
A letter written by a council officer to residents states: “I am aware of an escalation in incidents within and in the
vicinity of your block.
“I am also aware that residents in the block may not wish to become involved in the investigation process. This makes it very difficult for South Lanarkshire Council to take any action against those responsible as, invariably it is the residents themselves who are witnessing these events and who are able to identify the culprits.
“Without help from those who are affected by this behaviour it is unlikely that a resolution will be reached.”
The letter offers residents anonymity and states that the council officer can act as witness on their behalf should any legal proceedings be raised.
Daniel Lowe, executive director of housing and technical resources, said: “Investigations into these matters are ongoing and actions are being progressed to tackle the issues in conjunction with our partner, Police Scotland.
“The council takes issues of antisocial behaviour very seriously, and will deal robustly with those persons responsible in order to ensure safe and attractive communities for all to live in.
“If any local resident would like to discuss issues they are experiencing or provide information, I would encourage them to contact the council in confidence on our Antisocial Behaviour Hotline on 0800 389 1105, or by phoning Police Scotland on 101.”
Inspector Jim Gillespie of Rutherglen Police said: “The police are aware of anti-social behaviour in Burnhill. We continue to work with our partner South Lanarkshire Council to address this.”