By Graeme Bletcher

GANGS OF teenage yobs are plaguing local people and family businesses in a notorious area of Glenrothes.

Bert Caira and son-in-law Ricardo Ghirardello own Styx pool hall and Ricardo’s chip shop on the town’s Caskieberran Road.

Recent roadworks outside the premises have provided ammunition for young troublemakers who use the area as a meeting point at night.

Mr Ghirardello said, “When cars and buses have stopped at the temporary traffic lights the group has been throwing stones or coins at them.

“They have also been taking some of the cones and barriers and using them to block the road.

“It wont be long before someone is seriously hurt.”

Customers visiting both establishments have been the victims of verbal abuse, with some receiving more shocking treatment.

Mr Caira said, “Two of my customers have been accosted on their way home at night—one was spat on and the other one was assaulted.

“It all has a very negative effect.

“Business has been badly affected. People don’t want to have to run the gauntlet to get into the chip shop or snooker club.”

The family has taken the step of installing a controversial mosquito device above the chip shop. It emits an irritating, high-pitched sound only audible to those under 25.

Costing £400, the gadget is designed to force youngsters to disperse away from the front of the store—but has not worked as well as was hoped.

“It doesn’t seem to have much effect,” said Mr Caira. “Some hear it and some don’t.

“It just makes them move a bit further down the road—certainly not the deterrent we were looking for.

“I have to say that the police are very good and come up as soon as they have been called but the kids seem to just wait until they have gone, then come back.”

A spokeswoman for Fife Police said the area is a known hotspot for trouble which is regularly patrolled and they are aware youngsters congregate there.

It was confirmed that there had been incidents involving barriers being moved out into the road and Fife Council had been contacted to safely deal with the problem.

Ian Smith, of the council’s traffic management, said, “The contractor is responsible for the site and the police contacted the foreman after the complaints came in.

“The work is being carried out to provide a better link to Caskieberran Primary School including a toucan crossing and a widened, safer pavement.”