Police are teaming up with the council, National Park and ScotRail to take on the people whose anti-social behaviour is spoiling Balloch for families and residents this summer.

Police Scotland says it's working on a 'Safe Summer Plan' for the village and Balloch Park following complaints that anti-social behaviour from young people visiting from elsewhere is turning the area into a "no go zone".

They say they're working with British Transport Police, West Dunbartonshire, the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority and the rail operator to allocate and distribute resources to tackle the problem, as well as providing a visible presence in key areas.

Chief Inspector Coleen Wylie, Police Scotland's area commander for West Dunbartonshire, said: “We want visitors to the Balloch area to enjoy themselves but we want this to be done safely.

“Byelaws prevent the consumption of alcohol in public places, however we have seen a number of young adults and teenagers in particular, coming to the area to spend the day drinking. 

“This can lead to anti-social behaviour which spoils the experiences of everyone else, and will not be tolerated. Anyone involved in criminality will be robustly dealt with.

“Members of the public may see an increased police presence in the Balloch area. This is for your safety. 

“Working with partners we want to keep the area safe for everyone to enjoy and ask for your cooperation in this. Parents and guardians; please speak to your young people and encourage responsible behaviour.

"It is also not acceptable for over 18s to buy alcohol for underage consumption and there are many dangers, especially around water, that intoxication can lead to.”  

British Transport Police (BTP) Inspector Alasdair McWhirter said: “Through partnership working with Police Scotland and ScotRail we’re working tirelessly to deter criminality and anti-social behaviour on the railway network, and we’re stepping up our patrols in West Dunbartonshire and Ayrshire using targeted operations.

"As passenger numbers on the railway increase as Covid restrictions lift, we will have more officers at key routes and stations across the network, including Balloch and stations in Ayrshire, to ensure the safety of everyone using it.

“We want people to look after themselves this summer and enjoy themselves, and we ask everyone to be sensible and considerate of other passengers.

"If we do get called out to anti-social behaviour incidents we will take action as the railway needs to be a safe place for everyone using the network. 

“Becoming a victim of crime remains extremely low in the area and the majority of people using the railway these places have been enjoying the good weather responsibly.

“Passengers continue to be our eyes and ears and they can help us by reporting crimes and concerns by texting 61016.”

Ben Doran, ScotRail's head of safety & risk assurance, said: “We are delighted to be working with Police Scotland on the Safe Summer Plan. 

“We know there is an increase in the numbers of people using our services to get to the Balloch area during the summer months and we work closely with British Transport Police to keep Scotland’s railway as safe as possible for our customers and our staff. 

“If anyone observes any anti-social behaviour on our trains or at stations, they should contact the BTP and report those responsible.”

Chief Inspector Wylie added: “There is more traffic on our roads and everyone should be aware of other road users.

"Please park responsibly and make sure a clear route is available at all times and you are not blocking access, especially for emergency service vehicles.

“We ask that you always take your litter home and leave no trace of your visit. If you have any concerns, please speak to any police officer or report this to us via 101. In an emergency, always dial 999.”