PERMANENT speed and surveillance cameras could be installed on the Esplanade to try to stop dangerous speeding.

The long-running problem was discussed at a special meeting of Greenock West and Cardwell Bay Community Council, where 65 residents from the Esplanade and surrounding area turned up to voice their frustration at what they regard as ‘lack of action’ over persistent anti-social behaviour.

Speeding goes on from late evening until early morning in both directions along the Esplanade, from Campbell Street almost to the Royal West of Scotland Amateur Boat Club.

Residents told the meeting they felt intimidated by ‘boy racers’, and were afraid to go out to complain to them.
Community council member Eddie McEleny, pictured, who has previously highlighted the issue in the Tele, says a lot of householders are upset that the disturbances are continuing.

He said: “I’m not surprised that people are extremely vocal and very unhappy about the problem.

“It’s frustrating that nothing seems to be getting done about it.

“This is unacceptable.

“People want action.”

Temporary cameras have been placed on the Esplanade in the past and Mr McEleny says councillors will now meet to consider requests from residents for permanent speed and surveillance cameras.

They will report back to the community council on October 11 to say if funding will be available.

Mr McEleny said: “As well as the serious disturbance to residents, there is a fear that someone could be seriously injured, but nothing can be done about cameras without the funding.”

Community wardens told the meeting that the public should call them every time something happens, so that incidents could be recorded.

The wardens said they had received only seven calls in a month, but this was disputed by residents.

Greenock police say divisional and roads policing officers are fully aware of the concerns of the residents about speeding and anti-social-behaviour on the Esplanade, and in recent months have worked with partners to offer a series of enforcement, awareness-raising and tangible solutions to counter some of the issues raised.

The police said: “This has ranged from joint patrols with community officers, roads policing officers and community wardens’ teams, to discussions around signage and bins.

“As a partnership, we will continue to pursue these actions and provide high-visibility patrols, commensurate with other demands within the area.

“We value the residents’ views, and use these along with other intelligence to deploy at the right times in order to identify and deter offenders.”