Baron's Haugh disorder continues

Officers have been responding to a series of 999 calls about lockdown disorder for months – and constituents continue to approach councillor Agnes Magowan about disgraceful scenes at the nature reserve.

The RSPB, which operates the haven for nature, has also slammed the influx of hooligans and last Friday, police were deployed to the scene and say they will continue to maintain a presence.

Sergeant James Mutter said: "We know that anti-social behaviour has a disruptive effect on local communities and we will act on any information we receive.

"We are aware of concerns raised by the community in the area around Baron's Haugh in Motherwell and officers carry out regular patrols of highlighted areas.

"I would also urge parents and guardians to make sure that they know where their children are, who they are associating with and what they are doing and also remind them of the current restrictions regarding Covid-19.”

There has been some suggestion too that irresponsible parents are knowingly dropping off youngsters at the entrance to the reserve in a move that has drawn an impassioned appeal from Councillor Magowan.

She said: "I would ask that all parents speak to their youngsters and tell them not to meet in groups due to the dangers of Covid 19 and to keep away from Baron’s Haugh. I t is very dangerous being near a fast flowing river in the dark.

“A girl fell in last week but luckily was okay. It is gravely dangerous for young people under the influence of strong drink to be meeting in the dark in Baron’s Haugh.

“The police are working hard to contain and change this very reckless, dangerous and anti- social behaviour.

"There is a rumour that parents or other adults are dropping off young people with their ‘carry out’ at various entrances to Baron’s Haugh.

“Can I ask all parents, if this is happening, to desist from this practice as you are putting your child in danger and you may find yourself on the wrong side of the law.”