Police have launched a summer campaign, aimed at cracking down on anti-social behaviour which blights Balloch Park during the summer.
The area has become a hotspot for disorder during periods of good weather, with a teenager assaulted and robbed by a group of youths last summer - and drunken louts making many lochside beauty spots a no-go area for locals.
Last week, Police Scotland vowed to crack down on anti-social behaviour; including public drinking and littering, as well as more serious offences.
On social media they asked: “Why would you get drunk and start fighting with other people causing families to leave the park?”
Pledging to take action to ensure everyone can enjoy the good weather, and stunning views, Operation Ballaton was launched last week.
Operation Ballaton is a multi-agency partnership approach which pulls together a host or resources to provide a connected response from Police Scotland, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, British Transport Police, West Dunbartonshire Council, Argyll and Bute Council, the National Park authority and Scotrail.
Police say their aim is to reduce the impact of anti-social behaviour, alcohol consumption and promote water safety ‘by providing a robust, proportionate and effective response, and working with our partners helps maximise our capabilities to ensure that our world famous tourist spots remain safe places to visit and enjoy.’
Local Community Inspector, Morven Sutherland said: “We are continuing to work with a range of partners to ensure visitors to Balloch
and Balloch Country Park, enjoy their visit and keep safe.
“This is a very popular area, particularly in the sunny weather and we want people to enjoy themselves and look out for each
other.
“Byelaws prevent the consumption of alcohol in public places. Drinking alcohol can lead to anti-social behaviour and officers will take any necessary action against this. Anyone involved in criminality will be dealt with robustly.
“We would also remind people of the dangers of open water, even for the most experienced swimmers or children being closely supervised.
“The water may look very inviting and calm, especially in the warmer weather.
“These conditions can change very quickly and there are hidden dangers like the depth and temperature of the water along with very strong currents.”
The news was welcomed by Sally Page from the Balloch Castle Country Park Regeneration Group (BCCPRG), who believes park rangers would help make the most out of the area - and cut down on disorder.
Sally said: “We are grateful for the planning and provision of safety protection measures provided by a combination of public services.
“Unfortunately the surveillance camera on a metal tower in front of a crumbling Balloch Castle is not a good look.
“To provide adequate facilities for all park visitors, a cafe and plenty of clean toilets, a few park rangers, such as they have in Mugdock Park, would improve the overall ambiance of the park and slowly we can push-out the anti-social behaviour.
“This is a place for families, a place to enjoy nature and fresh air which benefits everyone.
“Park wardens would also be able to teach people about their surroundings, the magnificent trees which form a designated tree collection, the features of Loch Lomond, the walks available within the park and up Whinney Hill.”
Council leader Martin Rooney added: “Balloch Castle Country Park is a fantastic facility for local residents and visitors.
“I would encourage local residents and visitors to come along and enjoy the facilities in the park and to ensure that they dispose of any waste responsibly.
“It doesn’t take much effort to bag up your rubbish and put it into one of the available bins.
“We have more than 70 bins in the park and an extra six large bins are being installed over the coming weeks.
“The council has an action plan regarding littering that started last week.
“Our officers will saturate the park for this purpose only and the council will have six staff covering Friday to Sunday.
“We want everyone to be safe and to enjoy themselves and to be aware that arrangements will be in place to tackle water safety, anti-social behaviour, public order and littering resulting from an influx of visitors.”
