The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Christian festival leads to series of complaints
Police hand out antisocial behaviour order and warnings as event returns
Police Scotland have been inundated with anti-social behaviour complaints following the return of a Christian festival to Montrose.
Around 50 caravans and a marquee were pitched on ground at the East Links for the Light and Life Christian Convention, which started on Monday.
Officers made extra patrols in the area to reassure residents following a number of complaints, mostly relating to cars and motorbikes being driven in the area.
A police spokesman yesterday confirmed that one man had been given an anti-social behaviour order – applying to him and his car – while a number of other people received warnings.
On Monday night a golf trolley was damaged and tee markers were uprooted at the nearby 1562 Medal Course at Montrose Links.
The Travellers – who had permission from Angus Council to hold the event – left the area yesterday afternoon.
It is the fourth year that the group, who describe themselves as Romany Gypsies, have gathered in Montrose for a festival.
In 2015, Angus Council took legal action after being surprised by the large gathering, but in subsequent years permission for the festival has been granted.
A council spokesman said: “An application was received and granted for the Light and Life Christian Convention, a public event being held at East Links in Montrose from July 2 to 6.
“Following last year’s event which passed without incident, discussions took place and actions were agreed at a Safe Events meeting last month between event organisers and relevant agencies.
“Matters covered included stewarding, waste, noise and parking.”
Montrose Links company secretary and deputy operations manager Claire Penman said: “They’ve not hugely impacted the running of the golf course.
“However, tee markers on the first and second tee were thrown about on Monday night and one of the trollies was damaged as well, which was reported to police.
“The markers were found and replaced.
“Thankfully there have been no issues on the actual golf course, which is the main thing.”
Light and Life’s website says the group “exists to make Jesus famous”.
Goals include establishing centres in every major town and city in Scotland and at key global locations.
It adds: “Founded in July 2007, Light and Life has grown from two to over 1,500 trained volunteers, as people have caught the vision and excitement of partnering with Jesus in this way.”
A police spokesman said: “There are extra patrols in the area providing reassurance to local residents.”
Tee markers on the first and second tee were thrown about on Monday night and one of the trollies was damaged as well, which was reported to police