RESIDENTS are living in fear because of gangs “selling street Valium” from a block of flats in Maryhill, a local representative has said. 

Nick Durie, the head of the Wyndford Tenants’ Union has said what he called criminal gangs operating in the scheme were leading to an increase in anti-social behaviour. 

He said the gangs were the cause of a number of acts of vandalism at 76 Wynford Road near to a local shop, including “repeatedly” smashing a glass door in the building’s communal area.

READ MORE: 999 crews lockdown East End road after bus crash

Glasgow Times:

He said: “There has been a bit of antisocial behaviour near Bill’s Shop. 
“Criminal gangs have moved into the scheme and have started selling street Valium from the communal area.”

Mr Durie added that the housing association’s parent company, the Wheatley Group, had formed a partnership with local cops to address the problem called the Ressure programme - a community improvement partnership (CIP). 

READ MORE: Glasgow restaurant Manjaros hits out at trolls for 'tarnishing reputation'

Glasgow Times:

“The Reassure programme had been going quite well,” he said. “But the pandemic had meant that was rolled back. 

“Ultimately, these people need to be evicted from the building.

“There are a lot of people coming and going from that building all the time.”

READ MORE: River City star Gary Lamont pays moving tribute to teacher who 'changed course' of his life

The door at the bottom of the block was, Mr Durie explained, likely kicked in by someone attached to gangs attempting to gain access to the building. 

Glasgow Times:

A resident of the block had reached out to the Wyndford Tenants’ Union to raise her fears over criminal activity. 

“[She] was on the shielding list and there is a lot of foot traffic that goes through that block, so she has both the fear of getting Covid-19 and the fear of criminals operating where she lives,” said Mr Durie.

“This isn’t the first time that glass door has been smashed; it gets repaired and smashed, repaired and smashed over and over again.”

READ MORE: Families fear for safety after ‘pedo’ graffiti daubed on Ruchill flats

He said that in the run-up to March, there had been “an improvement” but that since the country went into lockdown and the joint programme between the housing association and the police had been rolled back, things had been getting worse.

Police say they are aware of the community’s concerns and are looking to identify people involved. 

Glasgow Times:

Both the housing association Cube and its parent group Wheatley confirmed they were working with residents to combat anti-social behaviour in the Wyndford. 

A spokesman for Cube said tackling drug dealing in the scheme was a “priority”, claiming the CIP had “already made a number of significant seizures”.

READ MORE: The Scottish government's plan to vaccinate one million Scots against Covid by January

He added: “One of our biggest priorities is working with residents and Police Scotland to help keep communities safe and peaceful.

Glasgow Times:

“Our CIP has been working extensively in Wyndford to reduce antisocial behaviour and crime, and we have seen a 30% reduction in reports of anti-social behaviour there since the start of October.

“We would continue to urge any resident with information about anti-social behaviour or criminal activity in the area to report it immediately to the police and then let their housing officer know.”

READ MORE: The shops and other businesses able to stay open in level four

A spokeswoman for the Wheatley Group said the debris from the broken glass door was “immediately” cleaned up and a repair arranged which will be done as soon as possible. In the meantime, the door has “been made safe until replacement glazing can be fitted”, she said. 

The spokeswoman added that work with the CIP had seen a 30% reduction in anti-social behaviour in the Wyndford since the start of October. 

Glasgow Times:

A police spokesman said: “We are aware of concerns raised by the community in the area around Wyndford Road and are working alongside key partner agencies to address them and identify the individuals involved. 

“Local officers are currently being supported by Safer Communities colleagues from the CIP who have dedicated police and housing staff from the Wheatley Housing Group to tackle anti-social behaviour. 

“Anyone who has concerns about anti-social behaviour in their area is encouraged to contact police by calling 101, or report anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”