INDEPENDENT councillor Bob Spink has taken up Arbroath residents’ concerns over the Keptie Pond water tower environs with the local authority chiefs.

Councillor Spink is asking the council to approaches the police directly on the use of the area as a drinking den by youngsters.

The matter was highlighted by a local resident, who said the prominent landmark is being turned into an unsightly rubbish tip by thoughtless under-age drinkers and cannabis smokers.

Mr Spink has referred the matter to Councillor Joy Mowatt, who is convener of environmental and leisure services.

In a letter to Councillor Mowatt he said, “I refer to the article in The Courier regarding the mess of cans, bottles, etc., at the rear of the water tower at Arbroath.

“You will recall no doubt that this was brought up by a member of the public at the meeting we had in the sports centre as part of the consultation exercise on the proposed environmental improvements to Keptie Pond and its surroundings, and it was agreed it would be looked at then.

“I am sorry to see the situation prevail, as I am sure you are, and ask you as convener, to pursue the matter again with the appropriate director.

“I would also suggest that, if there is a young people drinking aspect to this, which seems likely, that the police are also contacted so that they may monitor, and perhaps control, the situation.”

It has been claimed the embankment south-east of the Victorian water tower, which overlooks Keptie Pond, is being used as a dumping ground by youngsters who assemble nightly between the lock-ups off Hillend Road.

A resident said the area has always been popular with under-age drinkers but recently the situation has become out of hand.

Not keen to speak to them alone and in the dark, he said it is something the police or the council should be looking into.