ALCOHOL being obtained by youths have played a lead role in levels of anti-social behaviour in Cowdenbeath and Lochgelly.

Cowdenbeath Area Committee heard on Wednesday of situations where patrons of a local hotel had experienced aggressive behaviour from youths and in Lochgelly the Public Park was a regular problem spot.

However, actions by officers had seen one of the hotspots in Cowdenbeath cease to be a problem.

Tracy Duncan, the Safer Communities Area Co-ordinator for the Cowdenbeath Area told councillors: "There have been incidents of anti-social behaviour and these have been tackled by the Safer Communities Team and Community Police officers.

"The bus shelter outside the Woodside Hotel, in Broad Street, has been a haunt for local youths in the area and resulted in several complaints from members of the public.

"The youths congregated between the bus shelter and the rear of the Star Travel Bus garage, on Park Avenue, from where they approached patrons from the hotel and members of the public requesting that they purchase cigarettes and alcohol from the nearby store situated on Broad Street.

"The youths were often successful in their requests gaining alcohol after which there is heightened anti-social behaviour in surrounding streets.

"The youths were often verbally abusive to patrons of the hotel and nearby properties have been subject to vandalism and thefts.

"SCOs and local police officers worked together to address this and nightly patrols were put in place and this worked in stopping the problems."

Ms Duncan added: "The Public Park in Lochgelly has become a hotspot once again.

"Residents have complained about of damage to their garden and cars with youths going back and forward to the park.

"Broken glass and drunken behaviour and noise nuisance are among the main complaints.

"SCO's visited local residents to offer support and reassurance and upped patrols in the area alongside Police Scotland officers and these high visibility patrols have helped deter youths and complaints have reduced."

Councillor Alex Campbell said: "The Community Police Teams and the Community Safety Officers are doing a great job and it is good that they are working with the young people to try and help avoid these sort of problems."

Councillor Lea McLelland added: "I would hope that the parents of regular problem makers are made aware of the situation."

Community Inspector Gavin Cameron indicated that was done and added: "It is important that rather then just move young people on from hotspots trying to encourage them to do more positive things is something that is considered."