Paisley 'war zone' ghost estate crime crackdown as police tackle issues

Police in Paisley's Ferguslie district are stepping up patrols in the Tannahill estate as they up efforts to stamp out “dangerous” antisocial behaviour.

The team – which has been called to numerous deliberate fires within the derelict homes in the past year – is now appealing to the public to report any instances of vandalism, fire starting, flagrant fly-tipping and drug taking in the scheme, as well as those responsible.

Officers will be working with Renfrewshire Council as part of the operation and say they will not allow such criminality to plague the lives of people living nearby.

The properties, which have been scheduled for demolition, have been targeted by both cowboys trading as legitimate waste removal companies, as well as individuals dumping household waste.

Other major issues in the area are ongoing vandalism, with burnt out homes and countless smashed windows and doors. Boarded-up entry ways have also been ripped apart by mindless vandals.

Community policing sergeant at Ferguslie station, Craig Marshall, is now asking locals to support officers in their efforts to rid the area of antisocial behaviour.

He told the Paisley Daily Express: “We have teamed up with colleagues at Renfrewshire Council to tackle these issues in and around Ferguslie.

“Our officers are proactively carrying out patrols in the area and are joined by our colleagues at the council who are also keen to put a stop to this antisocial behaviour.

“This is an area set for demolition by the council and antisocial behaviour like we’ve seen in recent months gives a bad impression – it is also dangerous and illegal.

“We are appealing to members of the public to come forward with any information to help us track down those responsible for these crimes so we can help in the regeneration of Ferguslie.”

Terry McTernan, chairman of Ferguslie Community Council, has previously called on Renfrewshire Council to speed up the planned demolition of the buildings, with the local authority aiming to commence the tear down this summer.

Explaining the area has become a beacon of criminality, he said: “The reality is that the fly-tipping is now mammoth in scale and it is having a profound impact on people’s mental health and wellbeing and the sense of community in Ferguslie.

“It’s absolutely devastating to a community which has worked so hard to improve its environment and challenge these kinds of behaviours.”

Last week, the Paisley Daily Express reported how a Ferguslie resident, who wished to remain anonymous, shared his concerns that someone would be killed as a result of the relentless fires; the most recent taking place on April 16.

“Fires in these buildings are becoming a regular occurrence,” he said. “It is the highest waste of police and fire service resources.

“It is sheer idiocy, fortunately no one has been injured in the fires yet, but it is only a matter of time before they reach an innocent soul and leave them badly injured or worse – cause a fatality.”

A Renfrewshire Council spokesperson said: “We are aware of local concerns about the recent fly-tipping and antisocial activity at the Tannahill regeneration area.

“Officers have been in regular contact with local representatives and residents to listen to their concerns and keep them updated on the actions we are taking to address these issues.

“Council officers are looking at a number of measures including, where possible, closing off road access to the site to help stop illegal dumping as well as implementing suitable surveillance measures in the area. We are also collaborating with our partners in the fire and police service to consider any additional measures.

“A tender is currently out for the demolition of the empty housing blocks within the council’s ownership, with the contract likely to be awarded in early summer.”

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