‘Like watchingThriller video with stumbling drug addicts’

response they’d been getting when phoning police on 101.

One person said they were told to phone their local elected representatives about the issues instead while another was told to go out and confront those causing the trouble themselves.

A resident even said they’d made a report and asked to remain anonymous – only for officers to show up at their house later that day.

Police sergeant Robert Russell and community officer Paul Gilliland were in attendance to hear about the issues along with representatives from Stirling Council.

Sergeant Russell said: “If you need to report something you should always phone 101. Don’t wait to speak to your councillor. Don’t be put off.”

He added: “You should also never put yourself at risk if something is happening. Phone the police and we will deal with it.”

Police, in partnership with the local authority, last month undertook a twoday operation in the Royals area of the town – providing residents with information packs, contact numbers and advice.

Mr Gilliland said that they canvassed 220 doors and have had 85 questionnaires back from residents – with problems relating to drugs, noise and alcohol highlighted. They added that the trouble was being caused by a minority of around six or seven people in the area.

Residents said, however, that on the Wednesday evening of the operation there were further problems with windows being smashed.

Councillor Alasdair Tollemache said: “I’m being contacted four or five times each week. People are texting me on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays when the problems are happening.

“The residents should be treated the same as those living in any other part of Dunblane. There’s no easy solution but it doesn’t mean we just give up on it. We have to all work together.”

Councillor Douglas Dodds added: “We’re all trying to do out best. We’ve had meetings with housing department and the police. We want the policy to be reviewed but it won’t happen overnight.”

The idea of a tenants’ association for the residents of the Royals was put forward – giving them the opportunity to meet regularly and discuss the problems.

Councillor Graham Houston backed this as a “first class” proposal while sergeant Russell said he would commit to police being present at meetings.

Terence O’Byrne, chair of the community council, asked the council representatives to take action to sort out boardedup windows in the area and take care of grass cutting.

He also called on steps to be taken to stop people receiving “unreasonable responses” when phoning the police, and asked that a member from the Stirling Council housing team to be present at their June meeting.

At the conclusion of last week’s meeting residents thanked sergeant Russell and community officer Gilliland for taking the time to attend the meeting, for the way they had dealt with the complaints and for giving residents “hope” that action is going to be taken.