YOUTHS as young as 11 fuelled by alcohol and drugs are causing havoc partying into the early hours of the morning in Port Glasgow.

Residents claim that up to 200 teenagers have congregated in the Pladda fields in recent weeks after arranging to meet up on social media sites.

People living in the area say the young people have caused serious disorder and they are demanding action so that peace is restored and now one gets hurt.

Some told the Tele how they watched in disbelief as parents have dropped children off to go to the fields.

Some of the antics have included boom boxes blasting out music in the middle of the night, vandalism to cars and instances of verbal abuse towards locals.

And in a worrying development neighbours had to call an ambulance when a young girl heavily under the influence of alcohol was found lying partially clothed in a bush.

One resident said: “You have to close your blinds, turn off your lights and stay away from the window – it is that bad.

“I can’t believe that parents are dropping their children off to go there.”
Another resident too fearful to give their name added: “We are scared in our own homes. 

“One night around 40 youths descended in to neighbouring streets damaging cars and a young boy was slashed in the arm, with the police and an ambulance called.

“Myself and a few neighbours are continually phoning the police and wardens, however this is now at a stage where it’s going to get nasty.

“A couple of weekends ago a teenage girl was so overcome with alcohol she was found partially clothed and unconscious in a bush and an ambulance had to be called.”

Concerned Port councillor James McColgan has intervened in the situation after the catalogue of anti-social behaviour was highlighted.

He went round knocking doors in the neighbourhood to meet the residents and gain a fuller picture of what is going on.

Cllr McColgan said: “We are really concerned about this and have to find a way to put an end to it. Residents just shouldn’t have to put up with this under any circumstances. 

“But we are also concerned about the safety of all the young people involved.”

Greenock police say they are fully aware of the issues at Pladda fields and other places in Inverclyde, including Inverkip beach, Tower Drive in Gourock and the grounds of Ravenscraig Hospital.

They have stepped up patrols and are launching a campaign to crackdown on the parties.

Sergeant Laura Stewart said: “We are very aware of the issues at Pladda fields and other similar locations across Inverclyde with youths gathering in large numbers and the minority engaging in anti-social behaviour.

"It is a priority for us and our colleagues in other agencies at this time given the level of concern for residents and the safeguarding of the young people themselves.

“We are working with other agencies, including British Transport Police, the community warden service and community learning and development to plan a number of joint initiatives over the summer months in all the areas of concern.”

As well as clamping down on the partygoers they are also issuing warning letters to parents about the dangers their children are putting themselves in.

Sgt Stewart added: “I want to reassure any resident in the area of our commitment in terms of this and should anyone wish to speak directly to myself or a neighbourhood officer then I am happy to arrange this.”