Out of control yobs terrorise Linwood

Feb 26 2010 by Jeff Holmes, Paisley Daily Express

FED-UP families who claim they are being terrorised by a gang of yobs last night pleaded for help to win back their community.

Women, children and even PETS have been attacked by thugs as young as 12 outside a row of shops in Clippens Road, Linwood.

Now residents are calling on the authorities to get tough on the troublemakers.

The Paisley Daily Express has already told how the neds went on the rampage at a butcher’s shop and caused thousands of pounds worth of damage in a matter of minutes.

Just days later, the gang returned to the shop and smashed a bottle over the head of the owner, William Muir.

Families claim that part of Linwood is now a ‘no-go’ area – even during the daytime.

One mum-of-three, who asked not to be identified for fear of reprisals, told the Express: “These yobs are out of control.

“They are of school age and I can’t go to the shops after 3pm, which is when lessons finish for the day, because it just isn’t safe.

“I’ve watched this gang attack people in broad daylight and they have even targeted dogs.”

And a 49-year-old Linwood woman, who also asked to remain anonymous, added: “I’ve been threatened by this gang in the street.

“I’ve lived in Linwood all my life and I won’t be bullied by these thugs but their behaviour really is getting out of hand.

“I’m worried that nothing will be done about this problem until someone is murdered.”

A 63-year-old resident in nearby Stirling Drive said: “I wouldn’t go near the shops at night for love nor money.

“In fact, when I hear a noise, I don’t even look out my window any more because I’m scared these yobs will throw a brick through it.

“There are a number of us living here who have repeatedly phoned the police about the problem but it hasn’t gone away.

“The police lift some of the worst offenders but, because they’re under the age of 16, all that officers can do is take them home. A few minutes later, these yobs are back out on the streets causing mayhem again.

“The neds really need to be locked up.

“Only then will we be able to get a bit of peace and quiet around here.”

And a shop owner who has worked in the area for 30 years added: “I’ve noticed a rapid drop in business and, to be perfectly honest, it’s unsustainable. Something has to be done to stop these neds.

“You spend half your day watching what they’re up to. The other day, I saw one teenager walking around who was swinging an axe.

“The police lifted him but, two or three hours later, he was back out and sticking two fingers up at us.”

Paisley North MSP Wendy Alexander, whose constituency covers Linwood, said she has been inundated with complaints from outraged residents whose lives are being made a misery by the anti-social behaviour.

She added: “I have been in touch with the police, urging them to take immediate action.

“Apparently, the problem has got worse in the last six months since a new family with antisocial children moved into the area.

“It has also been said that police are being told not to lock up any more troublemakers who are aged under 16 because of a lack of space. For youngsters who continue to cause problems, the Procurator Fiscal is perfectly able to prosecute as normal and should do so in the interests of law-abiding citizens.”

Yesterday, police chiefs vowed they are committed to tackling the problems in Linwood and making the streets safer for everyone.

Chief Superintendent Paul Main said: “Make no mistake, anyone who is caught causing trouble can expect to be dealt with severely.

“We want to send out a clear message that such behaviour is unacceptable.”

Sergeant George High added: “We are targeting the disorder issue by enforcement and through local schools.

“Campus officers are working with headteachers to de-glamorise gangs and highlight the damage that anti-social behaviour causes to a community.

“This is a work in progress and will consist of a number of presentations and workshops throughout the coming year.”