A CONCERNED community councillor has called for an increased police presence at the court house in Jedburgh to stop trouble spilling out onto the street.

Hugh Wight spoke out after receiving reports of anti-social behaviour at this month’s meeting of the community council.

He suggested a police officer could stand guard at the door of the Sheriff Court to control it.

Mr Wight said: “They (visitors to the court house) are standing around smoking, drinking and swearing and putting the fear into old people around.” And he added: “I think we should raise that with the police to see if something can be done.” A male and female were arrested in connection with an alleged breach of the peace within the court house and Market Square on August 22.

The meeting heard the problem of anti-social behaviour seemed to have been exacerbated since the entrance to the court was moved.

Referring to those loitering outside the court, Provost Richard Gordon, who chairs the community council, said: “Sometimes it appears more threatening than it actually is.” Last month, police carried out 16 stop and searches in the Jedburgh area and confiscated alcohol from youths on two occasions.

Warning letters were also sent from the region’s anti-social behaviour unit after police were called out to two parties.

A spokesperson for Police Scotland said: “There have been a number of issues lately in Jedburgh town centre regarding youths causing anti-social behaviour.” But they added: “Police will be targeting the youths in the coming months.”