An abandoned shopping unit in Linwood has been boarded up to prevent anti-social behaviour in the area.
The ‘top shops’ just off of Clippens Road had become synonymous with vandalism and even robbery.
The empty building had become an eyesore for nearby residents, having lain empty for some time.
However, after hearing of the issues associated with the area, Linwood councillor Robert Innes stepped in to clean up the place.
Alongside Renfrewshire Council’s environmental taskforce and Street Scene teams, Councillor Innes removed rubbish that had been fly-tipped in the shopping arcade and the abandoned property was visited by environmental health, who boarded up access points to prevent an accumulation of waste in the future.
Councillor Innes has also been working with the council’s Street Scene team and an effort is now being made to remove all of the graffiti on the shop shutters.
Councillor Innes said: “The top shops had got into a real state, I had been receiving reports of anti-social behaviour, the shop being abandoned and most recently a Linwood youth being robbed by an older youth. Also excess rubbish and fly-tipping and general concerns for the look of the place.
“This is an area used by many people in Linwood and I hope the efforts I’ve made here with Renfrewshire Council, businesses and police to get the top shops cleaned up is the start of something good here.”
The premises were reportedly being used by youths, who would regularly trespass and vandalise the shopping units.
Councillor Innes added: “I am really pleased to see the work that has been done to clean up the car park and secure the premises that were being broken into and causing all sorts of problems. I’m looking forward to seeing all the graffiti being removed from the shops.
“Hopefully the area will look and feel a bit nicer for local residents and can stay that way. People should feel safe and proud of where they live and I will accept no less for Linwood.”
However, the councillor recognised that it is not enough to just clear up after the fact, and that part of the problem stems from the young people who have been vandalising the area, not having enough opportunities for recreational activities.
“If local kids have nothing to do then we can expect them to get bored and activities such as vandalism become something to do. I am exploring what can be done to make sure there is more for young people to do in Linwood and spaces that they themselves can feel safe to be themselves,” said Councillor Innes.
In addition, he also wants Linwood residents to get involved in making their community a cleaner, greener place.
He said: “If any Linwood residents or groups want more information on how they can get involved in any of the council’s campaigns or in making Linwood more environmentally friendly then please get in touch with me.”
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