Residents living near Cochnohill Path in Hardgate, Clydebank had applied to close the privately-owned right of way to the public to stop noise and vandalism near their homes.

This comes after teenagers had been using it as a walkway to their drinking spots at Greenside Resevoir — leaving a trail of destruction behind them.

The track is privately owned by a farmer and the Forestry Commission, however it has been used by the public for many years and is a claimed right of way.

The bid to create a diversion and stop the public using the pathway was thrown out by West Dunbartonshire Council’s planning committee last week.

Councillors voted against the move, insisting that the closure of the path to the public will not stop those intent on causing trouble.

“It’s a matter for Police Scotland,” said Councillor Denis Agnew. “I don’t think simply closing the path will prevent people intent on anti-social behaviour from using it.” Blueprints that would see walkers diverted from the right of way to another path created by the Forestry Commission were presented to the committee.

However, the path lacked the scenic and historic quality the old right of way possessed.

Community councillors also measured that the diversion was an additional 600 metres — with much of this distance being a very steep gradient unsuitable for elderly people or cyclists.

A spokesman for Parkhill, North Kilbowie and Central Community Council said: “The community council sympathises with the complaints of rowdyism and anti-social behaviour — but it’s quite clear that problems of disorder in the area are matters for Police Scotland to deal with.

“Suggestions that the area is remote are unsustainable since the first gate on the right of way is no more than five minutes drive from Hardgate Cross — so there is no reason why police officers should take any longer to get there than any other location in Clydebank.

“Diverting a long-standing right of way is not an appropriate response and will not solve the problem since those intent on causing nuisance will pay no heed to signs suggesting that they use an alternative route.” Betty McGeachy, of 50+ Walking Group, added: “There are many in West Dunbartonshire who have to put up with anti-social activities in their area — they phone the police, but they don’t ask for roads or streets to be closed down or diverted.

“Cochnohill Path has a long and interesting history. In the 1930s the unemployed during the Great Depression organised walking groups and walked up the Cochnohill Path to get to the hills and lochs.” Councillor Jonathon McColl said: “Approving this application would open the floodgates for more people wanting to close roads and paths due to anti-social behaviour.”