Village traders have received an open letter from Linda Fabiani MSP urging them to attend a monthly forum to discuss anti-social behaviour concerns surrounding the town’s homeless unit.
She wants to see a small group, with interest in the Village, meet regularly to discuss and assess the problems associated with the council and YPeople facility at Lindsay House.
In the letter, Ms Fabiani said: ‘I would envisage, at least in the first instance, two local business people/traders as part of this Forum, along with two reps from East Mains Community Council, local police, appropriate council and YPeople officials. I am convinced that, at least in the first instance, a small group would be most effective’.
Fed up having to “police anti-social behaviour themselves”, business owners claim residents from the halfway house are running riot in the conservation village with reports of street drinking, drug activity, theft and intimidation.
Members of the tight-knit community and MP Lisa Cameron have called for the YPeople facility – which appears to be the main source of the recent troubles – to be moved out of Lindsay House.
South Lanarkshire Council, East Mains Community Council and East Kilbride police agreed a monthly forum would be useful.
However, former community council secretary, Jean Aitken, has hit back insisting there needs to be less talk and more action.
She said: “There have been regular meetings about the issues arising from Lindsay House with South Lanarkshire Council and police for years.
“I really don’t see what more talking is going to do to improve the situation! There are far too many vulnerable, chaotic individuals in Lindsay House, and it’s in the wrong location.”
Traders have been advised to respond to the MSP by Friday, October 11.
