| Those situated at the bottom of the West Port say they are rapidly losing patience with groups of young teenagers who roam the street at night and are unhappy with the police response to numerous complaints.
Mrs Jean Whyte, proprietor of Robertson’s newsagent, said the problem has been a constant thorn since she took over the business three years ago.
“We get bothered by groups of youngsters aged between 10 and 15 who gather outside our premises most nights of the week,” she said.
“There can be up to 40 in a group at weekends, and they can be very intimidating.
“On one occasion recently, two were fighting, rolling about in the middle of the street, while the others filmed them on their mobile phones.
“They also write obscene messages on our windows.
“Some openly drink on the street and they meet outside my premises trying to persuade people who are of an age to purchase alcohol to buy it for them in the licensed grocers.”
Mrs Whyte said she calls the police regularly to complain, but claims they do very little.
“A lot of the time police sit in their van at the top of the street and just watch,” she added.
A spokesperson for Tayside Police confirmed officers were aware of an ongoing problem and urged worried residents to work with them.
“There is a problem in this area regarding youths congregating and causing annoyance and it is receiving police attention,” said the spokesperson.
“Officers attend when alerted to incidents — notably when have been identified on CCTV.
“It is important local residents and business owners contact us immediately when problems arise and provide us with as much information as possible so that we can take appropriate action.
“No one should have to tolerate anti-social or criminal behaviour and we would urge people to contact us on 01307 302200 to report any concerns.”
Arbroath councillors are currently fighting for a public drinking ban in the hope of curbing anti-social behaviour.
At present, it is not illegal to consume alcohol in public in Arbroath, although that is soon to change with the procurator fiscal having agreed in principle to a new bye-law banning the practice.
Local councillors are keen to empower the police with the legislation, conceding that without it, their job in combating such behaviour is much more difficult. |
