PEOPLE from a Greenock neighbourhood want action to stamp out a rise in anti-social behaviour and crime.

Concerned locals in Maple Road say they have been forced to live with daily disturbances in the street at all times of the day and night.

The trouble started in the last month and residents say it began when people were moved in from a homeless unit in Greenock.

Health and social care bosses decided to move people out of the Inverclyde Centre to empty flats in the area during the coronavirus outbreak and Maple Road was chosen as a location.

Last year housing bosses announced a move to demolish 12 blocks of flats in the street, following a 'drop off in demand' for properties.

One fed-up Maple Road resident said: "It is turning into a nightmare.

"They fight and argue all day and night.

"There was even an incident with a knife.

"There has been nothing but trouble since they moved in at the start of May and no one feels safe.

"Some of us own our own homes.

"There are nice houses in the street and it is quiet.

"But now it has just got so much worse."

The local mum added: "There seems to be no supervision of those from the homeless unit.

"They have just all been put in there altogether.

"It is a shame, we have asylum seekers who are living in the street who have come here to flee their own country, and then they have to put up with this carry-on."

Inverclyde Health & Social Care Partnership moved a total of 23 residents out of the Inverclyde Centre, citing an increase in homelessness along with a rise in inmates being released from prisons back into the community.

The move was costed at £300,000 over six months and the joint integration board was told there would be supervision put in place.

The plan was approved by the health secretary, Jeane Freeman.

An Inverclyde Council spokesperson said: “The council has a statutory responsibility to provide accommodation for members of our community who find themselves homeless for a variety of reasons.

"The homelessness services works in partnership with a range of providers including the local registered social landlords and other services to ensure appropriate accommodation and supports are available.

“If issues regarding tenants are raised with the service this is investigated.

"Any reports of anti-social behaviour reported through the registered social landlord or police are taken seriously and appropriate further support and action put in place as required.”