Call for action to protect shoppers from abuse outside Arbroath Sheriff Court

An Angus councillor says Arbroath residents are being ”intimidated” by people hanging around outside the court.

Donald Morrison has called on Angus Council to remove the benches at the front of Arbroath Sheriff Court, after shoppers complained of having to run a gauntlet of abuse.

Mr Morrison said: ”Elderly people have told me they are intimidated when they go and use the post office or do their shopping.

”With the court service going through a consultation just now there is a chance Forfar Sheriff Court could close and all the business be moved to Arbroath.

”That would only serve to double the amount of people hanging around outside and make the problem even worse so I am pushing for the council to take the benches away.”

A council spokesman said: ”We are aware of instances of anti-social behaviour and are supporting the efforts of our partners in Tayside Police to deal with such issues.

”The council’s community wardens are making increased patrols in the area and will give on-the-spot fines for littering.”