ANTI-SOCIAL behaviour is making Dalmuir railway station and the area around it a “no-go zone”, according to worried residents.

Police and council officials have promised to work together to tackle the problem after people living nearby took their concerns to Clydebank’s retiring MSP.

Gil Paterson wrote to West Dunbartonshire Council chief executive Joyce White to report residents’ fears over “a serious escalation of anti-social behaviour including criminal assault and intimidation” in the area around Dalmuir railway station.

The MSP called for a meeting of all the agencies involved to discuss the matter and create a joint approach to solving the problem.

One constituent, who lives opposite the station, said: “I have noticed for some time how unsafe the area is becoming and it doesn’t seem to be getting better.

“The train station seems to be the target for many youngsters, causing constant problems for not only the visitors to the station, but the staff also.

“The teenagers sit at the stairs and I know visitors to the station find them intimidating. They don’t move most of the time to let visitors up the stairs to access the station.

“A couple of weeks ago someone was stabbed at the station and the other day the train was halted and the police called again.

“This is a regular occurrence and the police are constantly at the station, mostly chasing the kids that are drinking and hanging around it.”

In his letter Mr Paterson said: “Teenagers are congregating around the station in defiance of social distancing laws and causing mayhem and fear amongst many residents, rendering the area a no-go zone after dark.”

In response, Ms White told Mr Paterson: “The reports as experienced by your constituents are troubling.

“Our ASB [anti-social behaviour] team was first contacted about this last week and spoke directly with Network Rail.

“Our neighbourhood teams will undertake foot patrols at various times to evidence and reduce incidences, linking in with the police.

“We have also asked that the police alert us should they identify any participants who reside within our housing stock, so that we can investigate this as a potential breach of tenancy issue.”

Chief Inspector Coleen Wylie, Police Scotland’s area commander for West Dunbartonshire, said: “We realise anti-social behaviour is disruptive and affects the public going about their daily business.

“It also ties up police officers who may be required to help people in need.

“We are aware of concerns raised by residents regarding anti-social behaviour in the Dalmuir area, including the area near to the railway station.

“Local officers are working closely with our partners at British Transport Police and West Dunbartonshire Council, providing a visible presence in the area to reassure the public and prevent further incidents.

"I would urge anyone who wishes to report anti-social behaviour or disorder, to contact Police Scotland as early as possible by calling 101.”

British Transport Police urged passengers to report concerns by texting 61016.