FIFE Council's Safer Communities team is committed to trying to find solutions to problems caused by continued disturbances.

Cowdenbeath Area Committee heard that a series of incidents eventually led to a tenant receiving an ASBO from the Court.

Tracy Duncan, Safer Communities Co-ordinator for the Cowdenbeath-Lochgelly Area, explained to councillors that it is always the last resort though and every effort is made to try to resolve problem situations.

She said: "An example of a situation which was discussed at the Area Safer Communities Group was in Cowdenbeath where there had been numerous calls to police with regards to shouting, swearing and arguing, which occurred both within the property itself and also spilled out into the street.

"The occupants lived in a 4 in a block type property and due to their ongoing antisocial behaviour disturbing other residents within the block and street in general, charges were brought against the individuals concerned.

"Safer Communities staff, in conjunction with police and Housing Service colleagues, carried out visits to those neighbours affected by the behaviour and direct warnings were issued to the perpetrators.

"Throughout the warning process, support was offered to the perpetrators which was initially accepted but failed due to lack of engagement."

Added Tracy: "Further corroborated complaints were received resulting in an ASBO being sought to prohibit the behaviour and this was granted in Court for a period of two years.

"The ASBO had the desired affect for a period, however, the behaviour started to deteriorate again and the decision taken to convert the tenancy from a secure tenancy into a Short Scottish Secure Tenancy. Support was again offered but this time refused.

"Following a breakdown of the couple's relationship the tenancy was terminated by both parties."

Councillor Alex Campbell said that he felt that these sort of actions were needed as there were disturbance issues which caused real issues for neighbours.

He added: "This sort of work is really good but I feel that not enough people know about the Safer Communities Team and their work.

"This needs a higher profile."

Councillor Rosemary Liewald agreed that the team's work was effective and she felt that there was good engagement done with schools but she would welcome their profile being increased.