Govanhill councillor Soryia Siddique has called on Scotland’s top cop to completely overhaul policing in the crime-hit community.

The politician has written to Sir Stephen House setting out residents’ concerns and urging the chief constable to personally intervene in Glasgow’s south side.

In her letter the Labour councillor said there are “ongoing concerns raised by residents about crime and fear of crime”.

Chief Inspector Carol McGuire, Area Commander for Glasgow South East, said recently that her officers are “working hard” to deal with problems in Govanhill.

“We know that crime and antisocial behaviour can impact negatively on local communities and we use several tactics to combat these issues, such as high visibility patrols and targeting known offenders,” she added.

However, Ms Siddique has urged the chief constable to step in and support the reintroduction of an action plan which previously brought improvements to the area.

She said: “I would request the reinstatement of EPIC - Enforcement, Prevention Intelligence and Communication - in Govanhill. A renewed strategy is also needed in the area involving detecting crime and mitigating the fear of crime.

“I would also welcome the opportunity to walk about the area with you, allowing the opportunity to meet and discuss residents’ concerns and raise public confidence in Govanhill.”

An online petition which calls on Police Scotland to make the streets of Govanhill safer has been signed by more than 1,000 people.

Residents’ group ‘Let’s Save Govanhill’ is currently campaigning for a crackdown on criminals in the south side community.

They held a public meeting attended by more than 150 locals in June and organised a march to local MSP and First Minister Nicola Sturgeon’s constituency office earlier in the year.

Crosshill and Govanhill Community Council are also at the forefront of efforts to improve the area.

The group has organised a ‘public consultation’ on September 7 at 7pm in Holyrood Secondary School.

Police, politicians, council officials and housing associations are expected to attend the event, which will give residents the chance to raise their concerns.

A spokeswoman for Police Scotland would only confirm that the Chief Constable received Ms Siddique’s letter and “a response has been prepared”.