We need more action to hit anti-social yobs
SHUT OUT... the enforcement notice is pinned to
the door of the house in St Kilda Crescent where
anti-social behaviour disrupted the community
By Cara Dodson
News Desk
* 'Neighbour from hell' booted out of Templehall
* Gangs 'out of control' in area
* Locals have had enough of being 'terrorised'
INTIMIDATION, threatening behaviour and wanton acts of vandalism by gangs in Templehall need immediate action by police.
Although the local community welcomed news Kirkcaldy woman Karyn Gray and her partner were thrown out of their St Kilda Crescent flat for a catalogue of anti-social behaviour, locals have told The Press that's just the tip of the iceberg – and more must be done.
A frightening list of trouble including vandalism, intimidating gangs hanging about at the shops in Dunearn Drive and shoplifting are only some of the problems residents and workers face.
They've had enough of being terrorised in their own community with many too frightened to speak out for fear of reprisals.
This week police and local councillors assured residents they are working to turn the area around and have a dedicated task force working on the problems in Templehall.
But just two days ago, a gang of 20 youths hurled eggs at shop windows and shutters leaving the owners to clean up the mess yet again.
One concerned shopkeeper told The Press: "It shows the state of things when the Co-op has to employ a security guard. Shop workers are being intimidated. I've heard when they confronted shoplifters they just say things like "we know where you live."
"There's a gang which hangs about near the pub all day every day. There have also been offensive messages graffitied on the outside of shops – there's no police presence. One of my customers told me the problems just go on and on. If you confront them all you get is intimidation and threats. It's never ending."
Another added: "We get hassled all the time by shoplifters, it's really frustrating. This used to be a brilliant shopping centre but I think there are a lot of pensioners and other customers frightened to go out."
A community worker added: "The groups of kids seem to be bigger. There are now gangs of up to 30 youths going about. It is very intimidating for people who live in the area. The reports we get are they seem to be involved in drink and drugs from a very early age."
Local councillors Neil Crooks and David Ross welcomed the closure order and told The Press the Safer Neighbourhoods Team and Fife Council are working to change Templehall's troubled reputation.
Councillor Crooks said: "At the Kirkcaldy West Community Forum we were briefed on the work of the team which has brought increased police activity to our area. Those officers are working with the community especially our young people, and there are other agencies at work too including social services, community services, drug and alcohol workers, youth workers and various council service representatives.
"This is a long journey and there are no quick fixes to society's problems. Law enforcement is only one element to creating safer neighbourhoods. Opportunities for education, training, and work feature high on people's
wish list and Fife Council have to play their part too by investing in community projects which make a difference."
Councillor David Ross said highlighting the positive work in the community was also important.
"As local councillors we are trying to do our bit,'' he said. ''We will be bringing together agencies, voluntary organisations and local people later this year to look at where we are in tackling anti-social behaviour in the area and what more we can do.
''We have also started a series of 'walkabouts' across our ward to identify the things that need to be improved in the area.
''If we can get the small things fixed now and at least make a start on some of the bigger projects, then that too will help make our community a better place to live."
http://www.fifetoday.co.uk/fife-free-press-news/We-need-more-action-to.3179087.jp
the door of the house in St Kilda Crescent where
anti-social behaviour disrupted the community
By Cara Dodson
News Desk
* 'Neighbour from hell' booted out of Templehall
* Gangs 'out of control' in area
* Locals have had enough of being 'terrorised'
INTIMIDATION, threatening behaviour and wanton acts of vandalism by gangs in Templehall need immediate action by police.
Although the local community welcomed news Kirkcaldy woman Karyn Gray and her partner were thrown out of their St Kilda Crescent flat for a catalogue of anti-social behaviour, locals have told The Press that's just the tip of the iceberg – and more must be done.
A frightening list of trouble including vandalism, intimidating gangs hanging about at the shops in Dunearn Drive and shoplifting are only some of the problems residents and workers face.
They've had enough of being terrorised in their own community with many too frightened to speak out for fear of reprisals.
This week police and local councillors assured residents they are working to turn the area around and have a dedicated task force working on the problems in Templehall.
But just two days ago, a gang of 20 youths hurled eggs at shop windows and shutters leaving the owners to clean up the mess yet again.
One concerned shopkeeper told The Press: "It shows the state of things when the Co-op has to employ a security guard. Shop workers are being intimidated. I've heard when they confronted shoplifters they just say things like "we know where you live."
"There's a gang which hangs about near the pub all day every day. There have also been offensive messages graffitied on the outside of shops – there's no police presence. One of my customers told me the problems just go on and on. If you confront them all you get is intimidation and threats. It's never ending."
Another added: "We get hassled all the time by shoplifters, it's really frustrating. This used to be a brilliant shopping centre but I think there are a lot of pensioners and other customers frightened to go out."
A community worker added: "The groups of kids seem to be bigger. There are now gangs of up to 30 youths going about. It is very intimidating for people who live in the area. The reports we get are they seem to be involved in drink and drugs from a very early age."
Local councillors Neil Crooks and David Ross welcomed the closure order and told The Press the Safer Neighbourhoods Team and Fife Council are working to change Templehall's troubled reputation.
Councillor Crooks said: "At the Kirkcaldy West Community Forum we were briefed on the work of the team which has brought increased police activity to our area. Those officers are working with the community especially our young people, and there are other agencies at work too including social services, community services, drug and alcohol workers, youth workers and various council service representatives.
"This is a long journey and there are no quick fixes to society's problems. Law enforcement is only one element to creating safer neighbourhoods. Opportunities for education, training, and work feature high on people's
wish list and Fife Council have to play their part too by investing in community projects which make a difference."
Councillor David Ross said highlighting the positive work in the community was also important.
"As local councillors we are trying to do our bit,'' he said. ''We will be bringing together agencies, voluntary organisations and local people later this year to look at where we are in tackling anti-social behaviour in the area and what more we can do.
''We have also started a series of 'walkabouts' across our ward to identify the things that need to be improved in the area.
''If we can get the small things fixed now and at least make a start on some of the bigger projects, then that too will help make our community a better place to live."
http://www.fifetoday.co.uk/fife-free-press-news/We-need-more-action-to.3179087.jp
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