We simply will not stand for this any more. Let’s be clear, we will clamp down hard on any youngsters who are ruining people’s lives with antisocial behaviour

Ross Thomson A top police officer insists everything is being done to tackle the antisocial behaviour problems blighting several streets in Coltness.

Inspector Martin Spiers, from Motherwell Police Office, also encouraged members of the public to come forward with information to try and catch the yobs who are blighting the lives of those living in Coldstream Crescent, Greenlaw Avenue and Stobo Street.

Speaking to the Wishaw Press this week, Inspector Spiers said: “We have got an action plan in place and have the availability of other resources to help us out.

“The difficulty we have is when we arrive at the scene nothing appears to be happening and no-one is willing to speak up.

“That’s not a criticism but we need people to stand up.”

The problems were highlighted at the start of the month when Coltness Community Council chairman John Carr told the Wishaw Press that some pensioners feel like prisoners in their own home as a result of the trouble with kids as young as nine or 10 years old running amok.

And last week, we reported on a tenant being slapped with an eviction notice following trouble at a block of flats in nearby Stobo Street.

Officers from the Local Problem Solving Team, based at Wishaw Police Office, have been assigned to patrol the streets in Coltness in response to the resident’s concerns.

Plain clothes officers have also been deployed in the area in order to stamp out any trouble.

Earlier this month, the council’s head of housing services, Stephen Llewellyn, insisted the local authority will continue to clamp down on the problems on the streets. And Inspector Spiers confirmed the police have been on a number of home visits in a bid to stamp out the trouble over the three streets and reassure local residents.

The inspector added: “The local community council have been very supportive of the police and the work we have been doing.

“We are working closely with the council’s housing team and we will be going on visits with the antisocial behaviour team.

“There are a couple of issues up there but we are doing everything we possibly can.

“We understand the frustration of residents and we will do everything we can.”

Anyone who has information in connection with the antisocial behaviour is urged to contact police immediately on 101.

Alternatively contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.