TWO Central Fife councillors have hit out at those who continue to wreak havoc with mindless vandalism.

There has been a steep rise in anti-social behaviour in recent weeks, with four youths arrested last week for desecrating the Cowdenbeath War Memorial and police posting photos of the damage after another weekend of trouble at Lochgelly Public Park.

One of the other targets is the ground of Lochgelly United Football Club, who are now liaising with Fife Council about erecting a around their pitch, while we reported on a number of anti-social behaviour problems at Hearts of Beath Juniors FC ground in Cowdenbeath yesterday.

There have been numerous instances of broken glass being strewn across the pitch at Lochgelly and property being damaged – all of which the club has to pay for with their own limited funds.

Councillor Rosemary Liewald told the Times there is currently a multi-agency response to try and end the behaviour.

She said: “The recent vandalism is appalling. The club are providing a much needed facility for the young players.

"The social aspect, as well as hitting all the targets of health and wellbeing that the club provide, is outstanding for the wider community and to see this become a target for mindless vandalism on a repeated level is so utterly upsetting for all.

“There is a multi-agency approach between council, Fife Police, SFRS and social work. As we can see this vandalism needs to stop.

“Additionally we encourage all our clubs to reach out to Fife Council in terms of community grants which may assist with the immediate repairs.

“Additionally, we have our community activities team and our community football development officers who will work alongside our amateur clubs in all areas of support. I want to see this much loved club thrive and the communities respect what they have to offer for everyone.”

Those thoughts were echoed by Cllr Darren Watt, who said he has been inundated with pleas for help from residents.

He told the Times: “It is deeply concerning to see a recent rise in anti-social behaviour and vandalism throughout the area, including at Lochgelly United’s football ground.

"I received a number of emails from fed-up local residents desperately pleading for help.

“For them, this has been going on for far too long and they want to see immediate action and interventions to prevent further occurrences, especially as the lighter evenings and better weather are upon us.”

Mr Watt, who is also a candidate for the Cowdenbeath Constituency in May’s Scottish Parliament election added: “It’s clear the police need more support and assistance to tackle the ongoing issues.

“For them to put out a plea on Twitter for parents to get their kids home was quite unprecedented and truly illustrates how overwhelmed they were and how serious the situation really was.”

It was later confirmed that police will step up patrols in the area and he said: "Hopefully this will offer some assurance to local communities most affected by recent events, and will also act as a deterrent to those intent on causing misery and chaos throughout the area."