Bomb disposal unit mystery as man arrested
A man has been arrested in connection with a disturbance on a Dunblane street in which a bomb disposal unit was called to attend.
Emergency crews, including explosive ordnance disposal experts, made their way to Edward Street in the Royals area of the town on Sunday evening.
Police investigators were also understood to have been at the scene on Monday morning while dog handlers were reported to have been in the area later that day.
A police spokesperson said: “Police in Forth Valley have arrested and charged a 38-year-old man in connection with assault after officers were called to the Edward Street area of Dunblane on Sunday, May 20.
“The man is scheduled to appear at Stirling Sheriff Court on Wednesday May 23.”
A number of those living close by contacted the Observer to express their dismay at the situation – which is the latest in a series of disturbances to have hit the area.
One resident said: “The bomb disposal unit was here on Sunday evening and the road was blocked off.
“Then on the Monday morning there were two plain-clothed police officers inside a vehicle – I thought they might have been CID – but nobody really seems to know too much about what’s been going on.”
The resident, who lives close to the scene, explained that he then observed police dog handlers enter the property early on Monday evening.
He added: “There have been problems in the Royals area for a while now. People are being housed here and they are bringing the area down.
“There are a lot of decent people here – people who grew up in the area. It used to be the type of place where you could leave your doors unlocked and stay safe, but not anymore.”
The Observer reported earlier this month that around 30 residents of the Royals packed out a meeting of Dunblane Community Council to voice their concerns about anti-social behaviour in the area.
They say that they have been experiencing significant problems with tenants relating to drinking, drug abuse, noise and confrontational behaviour – and they want it to stop.
One resident described it as “like watching the Thriller video, with drug addicts stumbling up the road”.
Police, in partnership with Stirling Council, carried out two days of action in the area – which includes Charles Street, Anne Street and Edward Street among others.
They canvassed 220 doors and received 85 completed questionnaires from residents. Problems relating to drugs, alcohol and noise were highlighted.
It is understood that another meeting is expected to take place between residents at 1.30pm today (Wednesday) at the Victoria Halls to discuss the creation of a tenants and residents association.
There have been problems in the Royals area for a while