People living in Kilmany Drive and Kilmany Gardens in Shettleston have suffered years of anti-social behaviour.

They say a lane between the two roads is used as a cut through for gangs of youths who cause havoc in the area.

Kilmany Drive residents say they have suffered damage to their cars, burnt out bins, rubbish being set on fire, windows and close doors being smashed and even air rifles being fired.

Strathclyde Police confirmed that, in the area around Kilmany and St Marks, there were 56 incidents of youth disorder between February 16 and May 16, but 16 arrests were made in relation to these incidents.

Locals say gangs of youths aged between 12 and 16 vandalise the area every day in good weather and every few days throughout the winter.

Now they say they are sick of being terrorised and insist closing the lane could put an end to the trouble.

As previously reported in the Evening Times, St Mark's Primary School, which was closed in 2009, was set on fire after locals warned for months it was a magnet for vandals.

Shettleston MSP John Mason is now lobbying the council to get the footpath, which used to be used as a cut-through to the school when it was open, closed.

He recently held a public meeting, attended by more than 70 residents, to address the issue of anti-social behaviour.

The vast majority voted to close the lane.

The Evening Times has seen the council's response to Mr Mason's letter of on November 23, 2011, requesting the closure of the lane.

The response, which is dated March 5, states that they cannot agree to the closure of the footpath as it is a "necessary link to local amenities".

Local resident John McLean, 42, said the problems with anti-social behaviour have been getting worse for the past five years.

Last winter his car was vandalised and he had to pay about £1000 for a fresh paint job and two new tyres after his were slashed.

John works in the Merchant Navy and is away for four months at a time, he says he worries about his property while he at sea.

He lives with his wife Lidija, 38, and their 13-year-old daughter.

John said: "They will damage anything or take anything."

AND he went on: " I have a daughter aged 13 and some nights there are gangs of youths hanging around. She goes out with her pals and, when she comes in, they are there, drinking.

"They are hanging off the poles and they damage them, and they cut the wires to the satellite dishes.

"It is getting to the stage that it might stop a lot of it if they closed the lane.

"When I am in my house and I see them all coming down and drinking and shouting I go to the window and say 'move on' and they say 'what are you going to do about it'.

"At the end of the day if they close that lane or do something about it we wouldn't have this problem as much."

John said the anti-social behaviour in the area is making him consider moving house.

He added: "I love the area, I have been here for 14 years but I am starting to say, 'stuff it, I want to sell'.

"People are moving in who do not care about the area and we have not got much for the kids to do round here.

"We pay a lot of money for our houses and people are fed up of it."

SNP MSP, Mr Mason, said: "One of the most common complaints I have been receiving concerns the lane between Kilmany Drive and Kilmany Gardens.

"Locals and the police are clear that they want this lane closed because they feel it is providing a quick entry and escape route for youths who are intent on causing mayhem in the estate.

"I wrote to the council last November to ask that the lane be closed. It took them until March to respond and they said no. I have again written to the council reinforcing the residents' request. I hope they won't ignore this again.

"People wanted the old primary school building demolished after it was closed and the council said no. Look what happened there. The council now needs to respond to the community's concerns and seriously consider closing the lane now."

Inspector Allistair Macdonald from Strathclyde Police said: "We, in partnership with the local community, elected members, local housing providers and Glasgow Council are tackling the issues of anti-social behaviour in and around Kilmany Gardens.

"At the recent public meeting it was suggested that the lane between Kilmany Gardens and Kilmany Drive should be closed.

"That is a decision for Glasgow City Council. Irrespective of that decision, Strathclyde Police will continue to challenge any anti-social behaviour and fully support the local community's right not to accept this behaviour."

A council spokesman said: "The path is a public access and, under the Roads (Scotland) Act, there are very limited circumstances under which a local authority can have these permanently 'stopped up'.

"However, we are happy to look at any concerns residents have and discuss how they can be best addressed."

matty.sutton@ eveningtimes.co.uk

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