Parents urged to keep tabs on their children after disturbances

Forfar: Police have attended a spate of incidents involving youths

A local MP has urged parents in Forfar to check on their children’s whereabouts amid a spate of disturbances caused by young people.

Over the past few weeks, police officers have been regularly called out to deal with gangs of 20 to 30 youths near the town’s former Lochside Leisure Centre.

The force has received numerous reports of under-age drinking and vandalism by teenagers who have been congregating near the recently-closed centre.

Damage has been caused to the former outdoor playing courts, the fencing around the crazy golf course and motorists have had items thrown at cars.

The enclosed garden to the Ranger Visitor Centre has also suffered damage. A caravan and car within the Lochside Caravan Park were also vandalised when a piece of concrete was thrown over the perimeter fence.

“For safety’s sake, I urge them to check on where their children are at night, before there is a terrible accident. MP KIRSTENE HAIR

While joining officers on patrol at the weekend, Conservative Angus MP Kirstene Hair said the key to tackling anti-social behaviour begins at home.

“I was disappointed to hear the centre has become a hotspot for problems, and so soon after closing,” she said.

“It’s deteriorating and presents a danger to those trying to gain access.

“Every one of these children has a parent or guardian who is responsible for them.

“For safety’s sake, I urge them to check on where their children are at night, before there is a terrible accident.”

The newly-elected MP was in the process of becoming a special constable with Police Scotland prior to her selection for June’s general election.

This meant her application could not go forward but she was given the chance to go out “on the beat” with officers in both Forfar and Arbroath on Friday night as part of her constituency work.

She said: “I am deeply passionate about public service and have always thought becoming a police officer is one of the most challenging but rewarding jobs you could think of.

“Many of the officers I’ve met are protecting the communities they live near or grew up in.

“They have a real sense of pride in doing their duties.”

jkeith@thecourier.co.uk

Picture: Dougie Nicolson. The former Lochside Leisure Centre has been marred by rowdy behaviour.