Elderly people are becoming "increasingly afraid" of venturing into Renfrew town centre and Robertson Park following a spate of vandalism, a councillor has claimed.
Jane Strang raised concerns with community cops over the weekend who have insisted they will be upping surveillance in both areas in a bid to reassure residents.
Earlier this month, one of a number of fires set by yobs in the park damaged the castle climbing frame which resulted in it being cordoned off to kids.
The equipment is set to be available for use again this week following repairs.
Police have said they will be rolling a CCTV van into the park while increasing patrols around the town centre after business owners in Hairst Street have reportedly experienced issues with anti-social behaviour.
The Tory elected member has welcomed tougher action being taken over the behaviour which she insists is frightening vulnerable residents.
"For far too long, our communities have borne the brunt of anti-social behaviour in Robertson Park and across Renfrew," said Councillor Strang.
"That's why I wanted to set up an urgent meeting with police and community representatives. This meeting was positive and I strongly welcome the commitment from officers to once again step up their patrols.
"Our elderly and vulnerable, in particular, are increasingly afraid of going into the town centre as a result of this appalling behaviour.
"Working closely with our police officers, business owners and the community, I am determined to make our communities as safe as possible.
“These patrols should send out a message that this sort of behaviour simply has no place in our communities."
Permanent CCTV cameras are being installed in Robertson Park, but are not expected to go live until late spring.
Police have also vowed to look into concerns about laughing gas pellets being distributed around the town's Dunlop Crescent.
Fears have been raised about the Nitrous Oxide cannisters lying around parts of Inchinnan as well in recent months, prompting a number of councillors to call on police to clamp down on the problem.
Councillor Strang said she would be discussing the variety of anti-social behaviour issues in Renfrew at the meeting of the police and fire scrutiny board next Tuesday.
She added: "Robertson Park should be a source of pride, but right now it is being overrun with vandalism. That is hugely disappointing and must change now.”
