Help needed to stop Ross kids going on rampage

YOUTH workers in Ross-shire will be left "fighting a losing battle" without community support as towns from Dingwall to Tain experience unprecedented levels of antisocial behaviour from gangs of young people involved in wanton acts of vandalism, fighting and drinking.

The appeal to parents to back the efforts of over-stretched police and youth workers came as one Easter Ross town was hailed for taking a stance to nip its problems in the bud.

Youth development workers in Alness have taken to Facebook to share a mobile number anxious members of the community can call in situations where they feel intimidated by large gatherings of young people.

As police and community leaders praised the initiative, an appeal for help with wider problems across Ross-shire was issued by the Alness youth worker team. It said: "Do you know where your children are at night? Do you know that Alness and its neighbouring towns are seeing evidence of antisocial behaviour the likes we have never witnessed before? "We know the different groups operating in the area, we know the names and the level of behaviour they are demonstrating but the problem is actually having enough evidence to take action. The police are trying their best but without support from parents and the local community we are fighting a losing battle.

"We have the groups that are travelling between Dingwall, Evanton, Alness, Invergordon and Tain. These groups are causing havoc, fighting, vandalism, drinking and in some cases using drugs."

It says that while Alness is "a great place to live" with some "amazing" young people, parental and community support can help nip problems in the bud by allowing youth workers to engage directly with those involved.

The "Youth Phone" aims to allow concerns to be shared. A post from Alness Youth Development states: "I am sure you are aware our Police services are quite often stretched and this is simply a way of dealing with what can be quite often resolved by chatting to our young people.

"Alness young people are amazing and we have said this many times before however sometimes when they congregate in large groups they are simply just having a good time and don’t realise how intimidating it can be for vulnerable members of our community.

"There are unfortunately on occasion more serious problems with antisocial behaviour and we recognise this but hope with having youth workers on the ground engaging with youngsters and also offering them alternative choices, for example chilling out in The Place as opposed to wandering about, will maybe have an impact on our recent problems."

Local people have backed the effort. Lynda Arthur said on Facebook: "Well done for all the work and support Alness Youth Development and all its youth workers do for our young people. Brilliant."

Others shared appeals to parents to be aware of what their children are doing and to take responsibility.

Area Inspector Jamie Wilson hailed a strong working partnership with the local youth workers in Alness. He said: "We are aware of the negative impact that antisocial behaviour, whether real or perceived, has on a community.

"We are grateful for the ongoing support of the local community, partner agencies and parents to combat this issue. It is not an issue that can be tackled by Police Scotland alone. I would stress that anyone with concerns can call Police Scotland on 101 or 999 in an emergency. You can also pass information to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."

Cromarty Firth ward councillor welcomed the initiative of youth workers and efforts by the youth space, The Place, in the town. Alness Academy's parent council and the community council were aware of the issues. She noted that some of the most significant problems involved people travelling between different towns.

She said: "It's important to remember that we have amazing young people who behave well and are a credit to the community. It's a small minority who are causing these problems."

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