Residents in a Dumfries community are calling for action to tackle growing antisocial behaviour in their area.
Summerhill residents have been sharing their concerns over increasing levels of verbal abuse, threats of violence, vandalism and fighting during a recent surgery at the community centre.
SNP MSP Emma Harper and north west Dumfries councillor Andy Ferguson have spoken with residents about the “serious” issues.
Ms Harper said: “Our communities should be a safe place for people to live, work and play and is where people call home.
“Both Councillor Ferguson and I were extremely concerned, when doing our joint surgery, of the numerous reports of increased levels of antisocial behaviour, verbal abuse and reports of threats of physical violence around the Summerhill area.
“The reports relayed to us – including of numerous police raids, neighbourly disputes, of fighting and of unlicensed vehicles, such as quad bikes, zooming up and down streets at all hours of the day and night – are serious and need addressed.”
The duo have called on a multi-agency meeting to discuss how to address the issues after hearing stories of youths vandalising properties and quad bikes speeding along roads.
Several residents spoke of their anxiety and low self esteem as a result of the antisocial behaviour.
Ms Harper added: “I have called for a multi-agency meeting with Police Scotland, Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Community Safety team and the Wheatley Group – who manage the Dumfries and Galloway Housing Partnership (DGHP) properties in the area.
“This meeting will allow concerns to be shared with the agencies, with the goal of increasing police and community safety presence in the area, and addressing antisocial behaviour, verbal abuse and threats of violence.
“Ultimately, we just want people to feel safe in their own community and if this isn’t happening then action is needed.
“I will continue to do everything I can to support my constituents in these matters because I know how important it is to have pride of place and to feel safe in our communities.
“In addition to calling this meeting locally, I will also be asking the justice secretary for an update on the provision of community policing across Dumfries and Galloway when I return to Parliament next week.”
Councillor Andy Ferguson said he was “concerned” by the reports.
He added: “Our communities must be a safe place to live, work and play, and this is my priority.”
A Police Scotland spokesman said people should report any issues to the relevant organisations.
He added: “We work closely with DGHP regarding antisocial behaviour so as to address reports such as these.
“Police are always willing to work together with the community, members of parliament, and elected members.”
