Greenock resident's fury at 'war zone street'

Lynedoch Street, Lyle Street, Antigua Street and the surrounding area are said to have degenerated into a ‘den for undesirables’.

An angry and worried resident, who asked not to be named for fear of reprisals, told the Tele: “You wouldn’t believe how bad it is. This has become a dumping area for anti-social tenants.

“The police are never away from the area, but it’s littered with drunks and drug addicts who look like the walking dead, as well as vandals who throw slabs through windows, kick in doors and damage cars.

“And these people are followed about by kids as young as 10 who are paid by some drug addicts to commit vandalism against other drug addicts’ property in revenge attacks.

“These children are becoming lost to society.” The resident added: “People are afraid to go to sleep at night because they don’t know who is going to come into their tenement close — either by forcing in the entrance door or just walking in because the security lock is broken.” Greenock and Inverclyde MSP Duncan McNeil is convening a summit of various agencies to tackle the problems. He said this type of approach has already paid off in Larkfield and the West Station/South Street area.

He said: “I have contacted the police and River Clyde Homes. We must ensure special measures are taken to tackle those who are making life a misery for decent people.

“We need a long-term solution involving all agencies and empowering the local people to be involved. We must assure the community we are listening to them and that effective action will be taken against anti-social tenants and others.” The MSP added: “People are extremely concerned at the number of crimes in the area in recent years, including murder, serious assault, drug dealing and theft.

“This is blighting the lives of law abiding citizens who are at the mercy of those responsible.” The police said action is being taken in the area.

Sergeant Allan O’Hare said: “We are aware there have been a number of serious incidents recently relating to violence and disturbances, a lot of which are taking place within dwelling flats and not in public.

“We are working with River Clyde Homes and Inverclyde Council’s anti-social investigators to identify anti-social tenants and ‘party flats’ and take relevant action.

“Police Scotland has also deployed additional officers to provide extra patrols in the area to help address and tackle the issues highlighted, and also to help reduce the community’s fear of crime.

“We are also working in partnership with River Clyde Homes to have increased high visibility patrols in the area at the weekends, which so far has had positive feedback from residents in Lyle Street.” He added: “This is an ongoing issue we are working through with our partner agencies, and we will continue to focus our efforts in this area for the foreseeable future.

“I would ask anyone who has been a victim of crime or anti-social behaviour to contact us on 101 so that action can be taken without delay.” Duncan McKnight, neighbour relations manager at River Clyde Homes, said they are aware of an increase in incidents within this area.

He said: “There is a complex mix of housing and landlords, including registered social landlords, private owners and private let accommodation. We are working closely with our partners at Police Scotland and Inverclyde Council to address the issues and help to re-assure the local community.

“River Clyde Homes has funded a partnership initiative, with Police Scotland, whereby additional patrols are taking place on Friday and Saturday nights within some of our estates, and this has now been extended to this area.

“Staff from River Clyde Homes will also be carrying out door-to-door surveys to seek residents’ views and determine how we can work with the local community to help address their concerns.” He added: “We would urge anyone who experiences anti-social behaviour to contact ourselves and our partners in order that appropriate and timely action can be taken to address any issues.”