Anti-social behaviour near Ayr harbour has been blasted as “out of control” as fed-up residents plead for more measures to be put in place to reduce the “mayhem” caused by scores of teens.
Several residents living around the town’s pier have complained of gangs of teenagers congregating near the old coastguard lookout tower at the seafront, who are said to be drinking alcohol, shouting, swearing, playing loud music and urinating in public view.
Graffiti is also said to be scrawled on beach walls, around the historic Watchful boat, and the coal resin Gateway sculpture, while rubbish is left strewn on the ground and glass bottles smashed on the sands.
One frustrated resident said many sunny afternoons and evenings throughout the summer have been filled with “complete and utter bedlam” and has urged the police and the council to take further action.
However, both Police Scotland – who have been called out to the hotspot eight times since July 1 – and South Ayrshire Council say they are stepping up patrols to address the issue.
The resident told Ayrshire Live: “Things down here are totally out of control.
“The police and the council have completely lost the plot and have no plans in place to do anything about this mayhem.
“Scores of underage teenagers in gangs are staggering around under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs and shouting, bawling, swearing, screaming and even urinating in full public view.
“The noise was quite incredible from the ghetto blasters at full volume.
“The area after the weekend chaos was liberally treated to a load of new graffiti and still the council do nothing.
“No police anywhere when they are needed and no interest in the council in safeguarding the citizenry of Ayr.”
Another resident commented on social media about the underage drinking and waste left behind, while a third said the groups of youths were intimidating to walk past.
They said: “I walk my dog at the pier end and I feel really intimidated by youths drinking, weed smoking, smashing glass bottles on sand.”
A fourth resident commented: “The anti-social behaviour down by the pier is getting worse.
“There needs to be more cameras or frequent police patrols.
“It really pains me when I have to phone 101 and waste police resources due to anti-social behaviour.”
A South Ayrshire Council spokesperson said they are working to address the problem and added: “We are aware of the issues and we will be stepping up patrols by our thriving community officers in the area. The graffiti will be removed.”
Local area commander, Chief Inspector Kevin Lammie, said: “Since Friday, July 1, police have been called to eight reports of anti-social behaviour by youths in and around the area at Ayr seafront.
“Officers attended on each of these occasions and spoke to those involved then moved them on. No further police action was required.
“This is a very busy area and we are continuing to carry out regular patrols with officers providing reassurance to local residents as well as engaging with young people and discouraging anti-social behaviour.
“Officers will continue to take the appropriate action when incidents are reported and anyone with concerns should speak to officers or contact police through 101.”
Don't miss the latest Ayrshire headlines – sign up to our free daily newsletter here
