A reported 'ban' on youths entering a Livingston shopping centre has not been put in place, bosses insisted this week, after police said they were working with security staff to deal with the problems.
Concerns have been raised that youngsters are using free bus travel to congregate at Livingston's The Centre on Friday afternoons, with rising reports of anti-social behaviour.
And at a recent council meeting a police representative said a ban had been put in place on youngsters entering the centre on Friday afternoons, to try and stop the problems.
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However The Centre management have since insisted there is no ban, while a spokesman for Police Scotland said the centre had been mentioned "in error" - and that the measure has in fact been put in place by the nearby Livingston Designer Outlet.
Bosses at the Livingston Designer Outlet, however, have also insisted there is no ban - but confirmed they had been working with community police to try and tackle issues of anti-social behaviour.
A spokesperson from Livingston Designer Outlet said: “The level of anti-social behaviour over recent months has been increasing and this is a national problem. We have been working with the community police to try and identify the small number of young people causing the issue. We can confirm there is no blanket ban on 10 – 16 year olds entering the mall.
“If anti-social behaviour is observed and becomes unacceptable those responsible will be asked to leave. Livingston Designer Outlet is committed to delivering a safe, welcoming and accessible environment to be enjoyed by all guests and staff working in the stores, attractions and restaurants.
"We are working hard with all stakeholders; West Lothian Council, Police Scotland, Educational and Young People Services to help the town centre tackle these issues.”
A spokesperson for The Centre said earlier this week: “The Centre, Livingston (shopping centre) does not have any restrictions on young people shopping with us on Friday afternoons.”
Confusion over what is being done to tackle the problem came as the local MSP insisted that free bus travel for under-22s should not be blamed for the issues.
Angela Constance said she had met with police and the centre staff over the problem, and told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: "It is unacceptable that staff at the centre have had to put up with behaviour that is contrary to their own health and well-being whilst at work. Therefore it’s imperative that local agencies such as the Police and West Lothian Council amongst others work together to address anti-social behaviour, this is an approach that has worked elsewhere in the county.
“ I have attended meetings with local stakeholders to give my support and I have written to the local divisional commander about safeguarding of young people who are travelling to Livingston from other areas.”
Some councillors have said the Under 22 free bus pass is fuelling youth disorder, but Ms Constance said: “Everyone in Scotland under the age of 22 can benefit from free bus travel and this helps young people and their families in the current cost of living crisis to participate in work, education, training, leisure activities and getting home at night.
“Free bus travel can be part of the solution in diverting young people into positive activities and preventing problematic behaviour in our communities. It is crucial that both staff and young people are protected, and local partners could for example learn from Barnardo's Scotland who worked with Transport Scotland on safeguarding drivers and helped drivers to recognise risks to young passengers, teaching them what to do and who to speak to if they have concerns.”
Local senior officer Inspector Brendan McMahon, from Livingston Police Station said: “We are aware of the disruptive effect anti-social behaviour has on the local community and we are committed to encouraging people away from this kind of behaviour. It will not be tolerated and action will be taken when incidents are reported to us.
“Anyone with concerns about anti-social behaviour is asked to contact police by calling 101.”
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