PASSENGERS on local train services may be facing future disruption after train drivers threatened to refuse operating to stations west of Dumbarton following recent incidents of anti-social behaviour.

A statement from the Kevin Lindsay, Scottish organiser of the train drivers union ASLEF, said that its members had noticed a “continuous rise in violence” on services operating between Glasgow Queen Street and both Helensburgh Central and Balloch Central stations.

Both services travel through Dalmuir station, while the Balloch service also stops at Drumchapel, Drumry, and Singer, potentially meaning that Bankie passengers would be impacted by the potential service withdrawal.

A multi-agency meeting was set to take place as the Post went to press to discuss potential action to be taken.

Unions have confirmed that drivers and staff had faced threats of violence, spitting and intimidating behaviour from young people while operating on services heading into the two stations and called on Transport Minister Humza Yousaf to back measures to combat the problems including increasing the numbers of staff on board services; increasing the presence of British Transport Police officers on trains and at both Helensburgh and Balloch stations.

Extra British Transport Police officers will also be on patrol at stations and on services along the route, with staff also making use of body cameras.

In the statement, Mr Lindsay warned: “Our members are at the end of their tether and getting ready to refuse to work on these services. There are real concerns that a member of the public, or a rail worker, is going to get seriously injured or worse.

“As a union we will be seeking legal advice on our ability to use current laws to take action against the individuals, their parents or guardians, including the local council, Scottish government and ScotRail over past and any future physical or verbal assaults on our members.

“So an urgent response is needed from the minister before a community loses its rail services and, more importantly, a rail worker is seriously hurt or worse.”

In response, Mr Yousaf said: “Anti-social behaviour at rail stations and violence or the threat of violence against those using and working on public transport is wholly unacceptable. Every worker and passenger has the absolute right to go about their business without the fear of verbal or physical assault.

“We work closely with the police, Scotland’s transport providers and the trade unions to raise awareness of this issue, and I have already committed my support in terms of the Violence against Transport Workers campaign.”

Yesterday’s meeting brought together representatives from unions, Scotrail, British Transport Police, West Dunbartonshire and Argyll and Bute Council.

David Lister, safety and sustainability director at the ScotRail Alliance, said: “The safety and security of our staff and customers is our number one priority. Any attacks on staff or customers is wholly unacceptable and will not be tolerated. People should be able to go about their business without fear of violence.

“We are working closely with the British Transport Police, Police Scotland, local councils and others to tackle this problem.”

A West Dunbartonshire Council spokeswoman said: “We continue to work in partnership with all agencies including Police Scotland and British Transport Police to tackle any anti-social behaviour in the area.”