A community blighted by vandalism and anti-social behaviour is fighting back.

Residents in Woodlands, in Glasgow's West End, faced months of misery caused by drug users and vandals to young people setting light to aerosol cans and throwing rocks.

Most of the incidents took place in the last six months of last year in and around the Millennium Park and the nearby Arlington Baths.

But community leaders and residents grouped together in a bid to find a solution.

They have now won funding to upgrade the park, have had extra CCTV cameras installed and have launched a community programme at the Albany Centre in Ashley Street.

Constable Suzanne Oxnard, of the community intervention unit at Partick Police office, said: "There was quite a lot of youth problems within this area.

"It is an area of high density housing, there's a lot of residents here, including a sheltered housing complex.

"So all these people were being disturbed and we really wanted to tackle the root of the problem."

Police put on extra patrols and worked with Glasgow Community Safety Services (GCSS), who use mobile CCTV cameras.

Nina Honeyman, comm-unity engagement officer at the Albany Centre, said: "We recognised there was a gap in facilities for local people so we decided to introduce services for people at the weekend and in the evenings.

"Woodlands doesn't have the same community focus as other areas.

"At Partick and Maryhill there is an established community centre so that is what we are trying to do here.

"In the Albany we now have youth programmes for 15-24-year-olds and we've set up street dance, arts and cookery workshops for everyone at weekends."

Hillhead councillor Martin McElroy worked with residents on a bid for council cash to extend the play area in the park.

A total of £10,000 was allocated to upgrade the park, and £2000 from the Hillhead Area Committee was awarded for CCTV, which was installed last week.

Mr McElroy said: "There is a lot of money being spent on the park on things like better lighting and more open space to deter underage drinkers so more people can use it."

Gordon McDougall, chairman of Arlington Baths Club, has lived in the West End for 20 years.

He said: "It is about ensuring that Millennium Park and the rest of Woodlands is for everyone and families feel safe and happy being there."

The residents hope they have done enough to prevent further trouble.

Mr McElroy added: "There are fears that the problems will return when the light nights come in – but we hope that the community crackdown has worked."

A spokeswoman for Glasgow City Council said: "Two security cameras were purchased to provide public reassurance following problems with vandalism and youths congregating in the area around the Arlington Baths.

"A grant was provided by the Hillhead Area Committee in response to concerns from locals who said they felt unsafe in the area.

"Cameras act as a good deterrent to anti-social behaviour and it is hoped this grant will help improve public confidence in the area."

rachel.loxton@ heraldandtimes.co.uk