Combined effort against Brechin anti-social behaviour is vital, says MSP

Brechin has been urged to rally to rid the burgh of anti-social behaviour which has plagued the town in recent months.

Community leaders say a tiny minority of unruly youngsters are making life a misery for residents, whose homes and businesses have been targeted by graffiti or had missiles thrown at them.

In March, a zero tolerance message was put out by police via Brechin High School after concerns over the conduct of marauding groups of youths as large as 40-strong.

The town’s Watson-Watt statue in St Ninian’s Square was then targeted in a graffiti attack just a few weeks later, along with several other buildings in the town centre area.

Local figures rallied to quickly remove the spray paint from the monument to the ‘Father of radar’, saving Angus Council a potentially-costly clean-up operation.

In response to the spate of incidents, Angus North and Mearns SNP MSP Mairi Gougeon staged a special surgery in the town and she has said that while it is important not to lose sight of the fact that a tiny minority are responsible for the problem, a concerted approach to tackling it is important.

“If we are going to tackle some of the issues surrounding vandalism and disturbances in Brechin it’s important that all agencies work closely together on it,” she said.

Mrs Gougeon added: “We had Police Scotland, representatives from The Attic youth project, residents, parents and some young people at the surgery.

“It’s important to stress that this isn’t a widespread issue involving every young person in Brechin – this is a small group of young people causing bother.

“Police Scotland are doing what they can work with young people both directly and indirectly with Brechin High School.

“The Attic offers a safe environment for young people but cannot be held responsible for the behaviour of those causing problems who actually don’t attend their group.”

The MSP added: “I plan to hold joint surgeries with Police Scotland in the future and do what I can to make sure everyone engages closely on this issue.

“I would also urge anyone who has been the victim of a crime or witnessed vandalism in Brechin to report it to Police Scotland by dialling 101 or by emailing TaysideBrechinEdzellCPT@Scotland.pnn.police.uk.”