South Lanarkshire Council are closing in on an alleged Village drug dealer at the centre of an anti-social behaviour investigation.
The local authority confirmed this week they are “considering further legal action” against the nightmare Kirkton Place tenant who neighbours claim is peddling drugs from his doorstep.
After three years of hell with the first floor flat a “revolving door” for drug users, they say the recent News coverage of the trouble has “finally” spurred the council into action.
It is understood council officers and police were out changing the locks at the property, giving fed-up residents fresh hope that an eviction notice would soon follow.
Neighbours described the lack of robust action as a “slap in the face” after receiving a joint letter from the council’s anti-social behaviour boss and police inspector from the local problem solving team asking them to report any anti-social issues – three years after the trouble started.
They told how they feared for their children’s safety after finding used needles, blood-stained needle caps, a bag of cocaine and pills scattered in the close.
The housing office confirmed this week that the situation is being closely monitored.
Head of housing services at South Lanarkshire Council, Annette Finnan, said: “A council officer, along with Police Scotland, attended the property at 15 Kirkton Place on February 27, 2020. At this time the property was accessed and subsequently secured.
“The council is closely monitoring the situation and is considering further legal action.”
One neighbour, who wished to remain anonymous, told the News: “Since this was exposed in the East Kilbride News the tenant is laying low and there have been community wardens out with a camera daily.
“Council officers recently came out and went round all the neighbours for an update on the situation. They weren’t happy we went to the papers but this is my home, I can’t just sit back and wait years for them to do anything.
“Nothing was happening but, since it’s been highlighted in the paper everything is happening, so we’re happy. We've been fighting for years, exposure is what was needed. These people need to be driven out of our community.”
Another neighbour in a nearby block, who is experiencing similar issues with an unruly tenant, added: “The housing officer has totally disregarded everything we have complained about for years.
“I think she’s been put under the cosh since the coverage which has been amazing – everyone is talking about it.
“The council have been made to sit up and do something, we can’t thank the East Kilbride News enough. This would never have happened if it wasn’t for your help.”
Residents tearfully shared their ongoing struggles at Monday’s East Mains Community Council meeting. Chairman Bill Arthur said: “This very open and frank meeting highlighted a problem that is common throughout East Kilbride. Housing are placing individuals of a certain ilk next to vulnerable residents without proper planning.
“And it is the complainants who have been treated with contempt. They have been kept in the dark. The common denominator here is inaction by the housing office. Their incompetence needs to be shown.”
