New bid to tackle realcommunity problems

The aim is to let local people know how a joint delivery deal between the local authority and police will operate.

The agreement covers a range of community protection and safety services, and will include “days of action” focusing on key local areas of concern.

There will be eight roadshows (one in each council ward) in venues across East Dunbartonshire from Thursday,

Local residents are being encouraged to go along and speak to officers about particular problems in the community.

Meanwhile days of action will focus on issues covering everything from vehicle idling and bogus callers to antisocial behaviour, licensing and food safety.

Council leader Rhondda Geekie said, “The roadshows have been planned to raise awareness among residents of the new arrangements and to give them an opportunity to tell us what is important to them.”

Local Area Commander for East Dunbartonshire, Chief Inspector Craig Smith, said: “Aligning policing and community protection services will enable us to maximise the deployment of resources throughout the area, which will have positive community benefits and assist in keeping people safe.

Local sessions taking place (between 9am and 2pm) are at - Milngavie Precinct, at the clock, on Thursday; Bearsden Cross (loading bay outside M&S), on Thursday next week (August 27); parking bays beside Kessington Hall, on Thursday, September 17.