INCREASING levels of anti-social behaviour in Summerhill, including verbal abuse and threats of violence, has raised the concerns of residents in the area.
And this has prompted calls for a multiagency meeting to discuss how to address the issues of anti-social behaviour in Summerhill and to reassure people that their worries are being listened to.
This comes following a joint surgery with SNP MSP Emma Harper and ward councillor Andy Ferguson at Summerhill Community Centre on Monday.
During which five different accounts of anti-social behaviour were raised including numerous police raids, youths vandalising property (including a derelict, empty flat), unlicensed vehicles including quad bikes driving up and down streets at anti-social hours and various neighbour disputes and fighting.
Ms Harper and Cllr Ferguson heard how these events have led to people feeling unsafe in the area, being reluctant to have friends, colleagues and family at their homes to stay, and having a general feeling of anxiety and low self-esteem.
Commenting, Ms Harper said: “Our communities should be a safe place for people to live, work and play and is where people call home.
“Both Cllr 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.
“I have therefore called on a multiagency meeting with Police Scotland, Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Community Safety team and the Wheatley Group – who manage the DGHP properties in the area.
“Ultimately, we just want people to feel safe in their own community and if this isn’t happening then action is needed.
“In addition to calling on 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.”
