YOUNG people from Drumchapel and Scotstoun took to the outdoors with police for a recent weekend thanks to a revolutionary initiative to tackle anti-social behaviour in the area.

Teenagers from local schools were treated to the camping trip near the Devil’s Pulpit at Loch Lomond as a reward for their good behaviour in recent months.

The scheme was launched after a rise in incidents in 2017 and sees local officers engaged with businesses and youth groups to tackle violence and disorder amongst young people.

In that time, public disorder in the area has seen a sharp decrease, with police receiving nearly 100 fewer calls from the public about vandalism, wilful fire raising, and other disorder offences.

And, after close discussion with partner agencies and the DRC Youth Group, it was decided that the young people involved in the programme would get to take part in an outdoor adventure weekend with two Drumchapel officers.

The kids were provided with all the equipment and taught some navigational skills before making the journey.

PC Graeme Richmond, of Drumchapel police station, said: “As a result of the very successful weekend there has been a very good feeling amongst everyone involved and the results in terms of crime reduction speaks for itself.

“The group performed well and remained positive all weekend and despite the obvious challenges being away with the police they got on well and bridges were built.

“The night turned out to be lashing with rain but it didn’t dampen the spirits of the group and they enjoyed a hill walk and gorge walking on the Sunday.

“Word has also spread to the other youths in the nearby areas and work is ongoing with them which will hopefully lead to further positive results.”

As well as the weekend away, the kids have spent the last year working with police and businesses to help clean up the local area.

PC Richmond continued: “The area around Burham Bridge has been completely cleared with thanks to BAE Systems and Sustrans who assisted with the clean-up and the erecting of new fences in the area.

“This has all but eradicated youth disorder to this area which has had a hugely positive effect for residents.

“The young people have been taking positive action in the community with litter picks and also designing street art on the bridges above Balmoral Street.

“This has gone a long way for the young people in terms of their community belonging.”