Kirkton in Dundee was rocked this week by riots on Halloween night.
In an evening of chaos that left locals terrified, a school was smashed up and fireworks were thrown at police, with several blazes started by yobs.
But the authorities were told of serious issues on the estate a year ago when one resident compared it to The Purge – a film about people living in a lawless society for a 12-hour period.
The man, who has asked not to be identified for fear of reprisals, this week warned riots will happen again.
The Courier has asked councillors representing the Kirkton area – in the Strathmartine ward – for their thoughts on the cause of the shameful scenes, how a repeat can be prevented and what they would do to fix its issues.
Kevin Keenan, Labour group leader
“Firstly, I do not condone the actions of those involved in the lawless behaviour and I trust Police Scotland will shortly be making an announcement about a number of arrests.
“People should not have to live in fear for their safety within any community in our city.
“This event will have set the city’s reputation as a choice tourist destination back years and may well have an effect on future inward investment.
“I know we share a strong ambition for the city which now has community wealth building at its heart and this will hopefully make a positive difference to every citizen.
“I know there was a push for the Eden Project to locate north of the Kingsway in the specific hope it would deliver prosperity outwith the waterfront and city centre.
“I would like to suggest that we, as a city, set up a multi-agency group where individuals from all walks of life can meaningfully contribute and engage with the people of Kirkton to fully establish and understand the issues leading to this level of lawlessness.
“A UK Government report confirms this type of approach has been successful post-riots in other areas.
“The report made reference to individuals not in training or education and its action plan took measures to address this by creating opportunities in both these areas.
“I believe there to be similarities between this report and what happened in Kirkton.
“Perhaps any future bids to the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund should be focussed on addressing social ills and unemployment, particularly north of the Kingsway.
“I know we have other multi-agency employment approaches currently being piloted across the city, perhaps they need to be implemented in Kirkton with immediate effect.”
Daniel Coleman, Scottish Liberal Democrats
“The scenes we witnessed in Kirkton on Monday were inexcusable.
“I know that Police Scotland have launched a full scale investigation into this matter and when the culprits are identified they must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
“It is essential that public confidence is retained in both our policing and justice systems.
“It is imperative that there is cross organisation work to prevent something like this from happening again.
“I am therefore keen to see further investment into policing to enable a better presence in the area and for community policing to take place.
“Moreover, I will continue to make the case for investment into good quality youth work and diversionary activities.”
John Alexander, SNP, Dundee City Council leader
“This incident does not reflect the Kirkton that I grew up in and know or the people that live there.
“It’s a real shame that the actions of a few have resulted in such a horrible situation for residents.
“There is very close working between council services, such as education and youth work and Police Scotland and that will continue to address and support some of the issues.”
Stewart Hunter, SNP
“It’s important as councillors we support the community to recover from Monday night’s events.
“The council and its partners are working on the issues that arose to ensure that we don’t see anything like this again.
“As local councillors we will be engaged with officers to ensure they have what they need.”
Conversation