EFFORTS are being made to bring a Slovakian police officer to work in Govanhill.

EFFORTS are being made to bring a Slovakian police officer to work in Govanhill.

The idea is the brainchild of Shettleston MSP Frank McAveety and local councillor Anne Marie Millar who are concerned about relations with the large Roma community - many of whom are from Slovakia - that has moved into the area.

They invited Slovakian Consul Zuzana Zitna to the area and took her to some of its worst spots, including the area dubbed "Ground Zero" around Westmoreland Street.

Ms Zitna then went on to meet Chief Superintendent Robin Howe, the divisional commander for the area.

Mr McAveety said forging links with the Roma community, which is around 2000-strong, was proving difficult because of language and cultural barriers.

He said: "Normal points of reference such as family relationships, the churches, trade unions and sports clubs don't exist. We have to do more to connect with the community and someone who understands them would be of immense assistance."

Mr McAveety said he was aware of a growing hostility in the area - a point also made in a recent petition by Govanhill Housing Association. The association is also concerned about the relationship and interaction between slum landlords, agency gang masters and organised crime.

Mr McAveety said: "We would like an officer seconded from Slovakia to work with Strathclyde Police on some of the issues which crop up and we asked the Consul to consider the idea.

"Anything which can help us work with and manage the issues faced by the community would be helpful."

He said the visit by Ms Zitna had been "very helpful" in drawing attention to some of the problems.

As well as walking round the area, she also visited some people in their homes.

Mr McAveety added: "All of us are pulling together to try to improve the area and make life better for these people and establish good community relations.

"Anything the Embassy can do to help that will be much appreciated."

Ms Zitna, who is based at the Slovakian Embassy in London, wasn't available for comment.

Govanhill Housing Association chairwoman Janice McEwan said: "If a Slovak policeman came to work in Govanhill I think the existing partnership between the police, the Govanhill Law Centre, Govanhill Housing Association, other agencies in the area and the whole community would be significantly strengthened."

Communities Minister Stewart Maxwell, who has made several visits to the area, said: "It's not just desirable but also necessary that we have the right services in place.

"People have to be helped to understand what is appropriate.

"We are aware of the issues in Govanhill and are engaged in discussions with Glasgow City Council and GHA on how to tackle them."

Chief Superintendent Howe said talks had taken place about a liaison with a Slovakian police representative to help address any issues or problems involving the Govanhill communities.

The officer is likely to be based at the Slovakian embassy in London but will be available for discussions with Strathclyde officers.

Chief Superintended Howe added: "We look forward to meeting and developing relationships with the Slovakian Police officer who will be able to advise us on any problems that may arise."