Locals speak out on trouble

Follow-up June meeting planned

Residents living in the Royals area of Dunblane attended another meeting this week to discuss the troubles they’ve been having with anti-social behaviour.

Those living in the community gathered at the Victoria Halls on Wednesday afternoon to discuss the potential creation of a tenants’ and residents’ association.

Representatives from the local authority were present at the meeting along with Dunblane and Bridge of Allan councillor Alastair Majury and around 25 residents.

This latest meeting comes less than a month after local residents packed out a meeting of the town’s community council to voice their thoughts on the issue.

The Observer reported on Wednesday that emergency crews, including bomb disposal experts, were called on Sunday evening to a disturbance at Edward Street – one of the problem areas. A man was arrested and charged in connection with an assault.

This incident is the latest in a series of disturbances to have happened in the area – which also takes in Charles Street and Anne Street among others.

Residents have long been expressing anger and frustration at issues relating to drinking, drug abuse, noise and confrontational behaviour.

During Wednesday’s meeting there was a frank discussion about the problems they’ve been having.

However concern was also expressed that the meeting was organised for the afternoon with many people at work and unable to make it.

As a result a second follow-up meeting has been arranged for Wednesday, June 27.

Councillor Majury said: “I was pleased to be able to support the local residents in their desire to sort the ongoing anti-social behaviour issues experienced in the Royals and throughout Dunblane.

“I would encourage as many people as possible to come along to the evening meeting to ensure their concerns and views are heard.”

Councillor Alasdair Tollemache added: “I fully support the setting up of a tenants’ and residents’ association for the area and look forward to working with the group to support all residents.

“It’s good to see the community coming together and having met some of them I know what is happening will make the environment better for all.”

Councillor Douglas Dodds also said he wants police and the council to commit their support to the association going forward.

Last month police, in partnership with the local authority, conducted two days of action in the area where they canvassed 220 doors and had 85 questionnaires back from residents.

Around 30 residents also attended a meeting of Dunblane Community Council earlier this month to talk about the anti-social behaviour they’ve been experiencing.

At this meeting the council were asked to make a series of improvements to the area relating to overgrown gardens and litter.

And as a result the local authority took action and started to clean up the area.

A Stirling Council spokesperson said: “Following a collaboration between our safer communities team and Police Scotland, a number of issues were identified including antisocial behaviour, fly-tipping and overgrown gardens.

“We are carrying out ongoing work in relation to these issues with a view to improving the area, and its success is down to the residents engaging and working alongside ourselves and the police.

“We will continue to work with residents to carry on this good work, and help ensure that the area is a safe and pleasant one to live in and visit.”

I would encourage as many people as possible to come along