Call for serious action on antisocial behaviour

A councillor has insisted more must be done to tackle antisocial behaviour in her ward.

Agnes Magowan, who represents the Motherwell South East and Ravenscraig ward, spoke out following a worrying rise in incidents over the past few weeks.

The SNP elected member pointed out several problems when she spoke to the Wishaw Press this week.

Councillor Magowan said:“I am horrified by the scale of antisocial behaviour and downright vandalism which is being perpetrated in my ward and surrounding wards.

“Residential properties of all types are being targeted by young people coming by train to arranged parties down at the Clyde Walkway from all areas of North Lanarkshire and beyond.

“The police are working very hard to contain this serious disorder by touring the areas in unmarked cars, fining youngsters breaking Covid restrictions, examining CCTV for evidence and contacting parents of perpetrators. The latest serious vandalism in the Muirhouse area will be targeted along with vandalism and disorder in residential areas surrounding Barons

Haugh in close proximity to Airbles Railway Station.

“I am working hard with the police to target their input.

“Health and wellbeing is one of the objectives of North Lanarkshire Council. The residents of North Lanarkshire must be allowed to live in peace.

“North Lanarkshire needs to think out the box to find strategies to counteract this very frightening and worrying behaviour.”

During the first lockdown, Councillor Magowan made a public appeal for teenagers to stay at home following reports of large groups of young people congregating at Baron’s Haugh.

She spoke out in April after receiving complaints of groups of teens hanging about the nature reserve which had been closed during the first coronavirus lockdown.