Assaults spark focus on violence and disorder
Rutherglen politicians, police and the local authority will come together to tackle anti-social behaviour and youth disorder.
Clare Haughey MSP and Councillor Janine Calikes sat down with Rutherglen police and South Lanarkshire Council in a meeting on Monday to discuss ongoing issues in the area.
The meeting came after two men were assaulted in Mill Street near to the underpass late last month.
A 52-year-old and 26-year-old were targeted by a group of teenagers around 8pm, resulting in both men being taken to hospital for treatment for their injuries.
This attack is one of several in recent times.
Rutherglen MSP Ms Haughey said: “It is deeply worrying that such an attack was perpetrated on Rutherglen Main Street, especially at such a busy time when many people are about. I sincerely hope both victims are doing as well as possible.
“Sadly, we know this isn’t the only incident that has happened locally.
“I am meeting with the police and South Lanarkshire Council to ask them to proactively combat this behaviour.
“The community cops do great work and they patrol the area regularly, but understandably they have a lot of ground to cover.”
In May, a 49-year-old man was attacked near the underpass on Burnhill Street, at its junction with Mill Street, at around 4pm.
He was taken to hospital for serious facial injuries.
Other incidents in recent times at the underpass include racism and vandalism.
Councillor Janine Calikes was also contacted by concerned residents following yet another incident at the underpass.
She took part in Monday’s meeting to address anti-social behaviour and youth disorder.
She added: “In this particular part of Rutherglen, youth disorder and anti-social behaviour has affected communities for quite some time.
“Whether these have each been isolated incidents or linked to the same group is something I am hoping to get answers about.
“Clare Haughey and I have a meeting scheduled with the local police problem solving team as well as the anti-social investigation team at the council to discuss these problems, and we will be looking for reassurance, particularly in light of the alarming attack at the underpass.”
Rutherglen police have identified a suspect for the incident last month, but CID are still carrying out enquiries.