Crackdown on trouble spots

A heavy police presence in Coltness over the past fortnight has helped curb antisocial behaviour, according to members of Coltness Community Council.

Earlier this month, the Wishaw Press reported that five teenagers had been charged by police with antisocial behaviour offences.

Officers cracked down on the group of up to 20 youths, aged between 12 and 16, who were making residents lives a misery in the housing estate.

Police stepped up patrols in the Maxton Crescent area in a bid to stamp out the violent behaviour but although the increased police presence has had an effect, Coltness Community Council chairman John Carr hopes the problem can be stamped out once and for all.

John said: “Over the past few weeks the police have been really on the ball in stamping out any problems.

“They have said they will be here over five weeks and have a five-point plan to tackle the problems and so far it has certainly been working.

“What I would like to know is what happens after those five weeks? Are we going to go back to the way it was? “This is a question that has to be answered.”

Parents of the youngsters involved have had their council tenancies threatened as a result of their children’s behaviour.

Stephen Llewellyn, the council’s operations manager, said: “Officers from our antisocial response service accompanied Police Scotland on a visit to Maxton Crescent following complaints of criminal and antisocial behaviour.

“It’s important that the public have confidence to speak to both our staff and officers from Police Scotland.

“By working together we can gather evidence, report cases to court and take action against the people who continue to make the lives of others a misery.

“We would urge anyone experiencing anti- social behaviour to contact us on 0300 123 1382.”