Dunfermline: Patrols to tackle bad behaviour in Headwell

Letters were posted through the doors of residents urging them to report any incidents as they happen.

Dunfermline North councillor Gavin Ellis said he hoped the exercise would help assure people living in the area that they are trying to help.

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"I was becoming more aware through some residents that they were concerns about the rise in what they felt was things like drug dealing in the area and anti-social behaviour coming from that too – the arguing, the violence between users," he explained.

"There was almost a feeling of nothing was being done. They did feel that Police Scotland were doing what they could but from a council point of view, they couldn't see what was being done."

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Cllr Ellis said a meeting has already taken place between representatives, police officers and Fife Council's housing and safer communities service to look at solutions.

He continued: "Whether it was cameras up in the streets or just increasing patrols, we had that meeting. I argued for the use of covert cameras but Safer Communities workers and the police didn't think that was the right way to go.

"We decided we would have a morning of action together where Fife Council, Safer Communities, housing, Police Scotland, myself and Councillor Gordon Pryde all went and chapped the doors round the Headwell Avenue and Blair Drive area.

"Police Scotland are going to increase patrols and Safer Communities are doing the same so it is a case of trying to be seen out more in the area.

"It's to let those residents know there are people out there trying to deal with it. It is all fine and well council officers and police trying to work away in the background but people need the reassurance of seeing people out.

"It hopefully makes it perfectly clear to any dealers that if they are dealing from a council property and they get caught and convicted, there is a chance of eviction proceedings starting. Ultimately they could end up losing their home through it."

Cllr Pryde said they were hoping to highlight ongoing issues in the hope of encouraging people to come forward and report incidents.

He added: "I believe the letter has been well received and the community officer has said they have already had a lot of positive feedback from it."

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “We are aware of concerns relating to anti-social behaviour in the Headwell Avenue area of Dunfermline and officers are working with partners to address these issues.

“Anyone with concerns or information should contact Police Scotland on 101, or make a call anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”