RESIDENTS in Cowdenbeath have been subjected to "blatant theft, wanton damage and relentless noise and intimidation" over the Easter weekend by rowdy youths.
Local councillor Darren Watt has blasted the "abhorrent" behaviour and vowed to work with police, council and other partners to try and stamp out the ongoing issues at Leuchatsbeath Woods.
"Local residents have had to endure blatant theft, wanton damage, and relentless noise and intimidation from a large congregation of young people," he said.
"After many years, they are increasingly desperate for the help and support to put an end to this, but are losing trust and faith in those responsible for protecting them and preventing such abhorrent behaviour.
"I echo their very concerns, and have to ask, what does it have to take for authorities and the parents and carers to act upon the anti-social behaviour epidemic that is plaguing our communities?
"In this case, at the woods at the back of the Birchwood Estate, there is clear evidence of drink and drugs, wilful fire-raising, and senseless acts of destruction including smashing glass bottles, flattening fences, and damaging trees.
"Does it have to take a careless young person to be seriously injured or indeed worse before these issues are finally followed up and addressed?"
Cllr Watt said while people don't have issues with young people in the woodlands in the evenings, he said the "reckless and selfish" behaviour was unacceptable.
"Local residents rightly expect and deserve better, and I will continue to work with fellow councillors, council officers, Police Scotland, and other key partners to put an end to this for everyone's sake.
"I urge residents to phone 101 to report directly to the police."
A spokesperson said: “We are aware of the adverse impact that anti-social behaviour has on our local communities, and we have been working with our partners including the local authority to tackle this issue and take action against those responsible.
“The local policing team have been monitoring the area and carrying out high-visibility patrols.
Dawn Jamieson, Fife Council's safer communities manager, added: "We're aware of concerns that local residents have about anti social behaviour at Leuchatsbeath Woods in Cowdenbeath.
"Vandalism and anti-social behaviour of any kind is unacceptable and a blight on our communities.
"We're stepping up patrols in the area and I'd encourage anyone with concerns about this kind of behaviour to report it to Police Scotland via 101."
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