Selkirk youths running 'out of control'

Ally McGilvray • Published 27 Dec 2011 09:30 2 Comments

TROUBLESOME youths are continuing to run riot in Selkirk, it was claimed this week. And fears have been voiced that they are now getting "out of control".

Local photographer Grant Kinghorn spoke out at a meeting of The Royal Burgh of Selkirk and District Community Council after his home in the town was attacked by stone-throwing yobs over the weekend.

It followed recent complaints of youth disorder around Knowepark Primary School and in the town centre.

Members previously heard of incidents relating to noise, vandalism, graffiti, littering, swearing and urinating in public which they ascribed to large groups of up to 30 youths.

Police set up a surgery in the town last week in an attempt to address the community's concerns. However, they revealed the number of youth calls had almost been halved in the past month, from 12 to 8. Community councillors attributed the drop to the recent "inclement weather".

This week youths were blamed for smashing some of the town's Christmas lights, abusing shoppers outside a local supermarket, and attacking stalls in the Square during the Scott's Selkirk weekend.

Mr Kinghorn said: "They just seem to be totally and utterly out of control. They just seem to have a total and utter lack of respect for the town and that's sad." He added: "They say there is nothing to do but there was nothing to do when I was young."

The community council heard the police and Scottish Rugby Union were involved in a new project aimed at tackling unruly youths and their anti-social behaviour which is due to kick-off in the new year.

It includes offering troublesome teenagers a chance to improve their fitness as well as taking them on a tour of the Young Offenders Institution in Polmont.

However, chairman Graham Easton urged local residents to continue to report any incidents to police when they happen. He added: "If you don't report it, they will think it's not a problem."

Meanwhile, community councillors have urged residents to remain vigilant after one member was involved in a "very traumatic incident".

Selkirk community council heard planning spokesman Ian King was forced to make a citizen's arrest after apprehending a suspected thief in his home earlier this month.

It follows a series of slip-in thefts across the Borders.

Community council vice-chairman, Dr Lindsay Neil said: "There are people who will walk into your house if your door is left unlocked."

But, Mr Easton added: "It only needs for something to go slightly wrong and it could have been a lot worse."

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This article appeared in Border Telegraph 29 Dec 11

Have your say. Post a comment on this article.

• 

  wull
  Unregistered User
  Jan 1, 22:11
  Report comment

  youths in selkirk are not alone, all over the borders, and indeed all over the uk the youth today need a stint at national service,if that does not install some respect, then a good thrashing might help,
  
  Recommend?   Yes 3     No 1

• 

  dereks
  Unregistered User
  Jan 7, 20:50
  Report comment

  It's not just Selkirk, it's happening all over the place, especially in Bowden, which is going downhill fast. The Police can't be bothered to deal with the issue properly; there’s too much work involved.
  
  Recommend?   Yes 1     No 0

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