COMMUNITY wardens were confronted by youths and their vehicle came under attack while trying to bring an open air party under control in Greenock's east end.

Around 80 youths 'took over' at the railway bridge in Ladyburn Street over the February mid-term break, setting wheelie bins on fire and causing alarm amongst elderly residents.

Now ward councillor Michael McCormick has joined forces with the police to bring an end to the anti-social behaviour and curb the late night disturbances.

Councillor McCormick said: "There are a lot of elderly residents living in the surrounding areas and they were frightened.

"This is a very serious issue we are dealing with.

"The youth were setting wheelie bins on fire, shouting in windows and abusing the people living in the area.

"They are coming from all over and are using the train line to get here.

"It is something that needs to be stopped.

"I would urge parents to make sure they know where their teenage children are at night.

"This is the same problem we have had in other areas of Inverclyde.

"They just seem to move about jumping on and off trains."

Last week community wardens responded to more calls from local residents about the youths and while they were out patrolling the area on foot their CCTV van was targeted and vandalised.

Sergeant Danny Godfrey of Greenock police said: "We are very concerned about this and we will be investigating.

"The community wardens do a great job and work very closely with us.

"I think parents need to be aware of what their children are up to."

Now the police and the council are joining forces to try and stay one step ahead of the teenagers by putting a dedicated action plan in place and stepping up patrols.

Cllr McCormick added: "I am also speaking to community learning and development to see what resources are available."

Inverclyde Council have confirmed the attack on their vehicle.

A spokesman said: "Over the school mid-term break we received several calls over about large groups of youths gathering at the tunnel on Ladyburn Street.

"Working with Police Scotland, wardens went out and dispersed the groups.

“On Monday 10 February the community wardens had parked their CCTV vehicle and were on foot patrol.

"Unfortunately, when they got back to the vehicle it had been vandalised.

"The people responsible were caught on the vehicle’s CCTV, which can be monitored remotely while the wardens are on foot patrol.

"The footage has been passed to Police Scotland.

"We can’t comment any further as there is an ongoing police investigation underway.

“However, we would ask that parents make sure they know where their children are at night and that they take appropriate responsibility for their wellbeing."