A group of Montrose residents have shared their fears over the behaviour of drug-taking neighbours on their street.
Locals in the Langley Avenue area say they have witnessed drug deals, vandalism and neighbours brandishing knives in recent weeks.
The group wish to remain anonymous due to the dangerous behaviour they have encountered on the street.
One resident, who has lived on the street since 2013, said: “We are so sick of it.
“Our children can’t go out to play as they are everywhere.
“They’re terrified, my children keep clinging on to my legs when we walk along the street.
“It’s as if they don’t care about what they’re doing either. They shoot up on the street, and needles are left on walkways.
“There’s furniture outside the buildings, they climb in and out of their windows and some are boarded up.
“It can be quite peaceful during the day but at night time is when it’s at its worst. We’ve seen them out with knives and completely off their faces.
“Over the last two weeks no one has been able to get any sleep, we are at our wit’s end.”
Montrose residents plagued by drug users
The residents have decided to take action due to the ongoing behaviour, which they say happens most nights.
They have reached out to Angus councillor Tommy Stewart for advice.
One resident said: “We’re all friends here and the area is quite family-orientated. We have children from the ages of five to teens.
“There’s always police here but it seems like they turn up at the wrong time, so they don’t get to see what’s going on.
“A couple of weeks ago there were eight police vans outside.
“We’ve been told they can’t do anything, however.
“The people go to court and if they say there’s no crimes committed they’re back in their homes.
“We just don’t know what to do. The past couple of years have been bad but it’s got a lot worse over the last few months.
“The street is a mixture of council-owned buildings and homes that have been bought. It’s never been this bad, but why should we move?”
Angus councillor laments ‘disconnect’ between police and council
Mr Stewart (Independent), who represents Montrose and District on Angus Council, said: “I am aware of the issues that are happening in Langley Avenue, and also other areas of the town.
“I have spoken with the service leader for housing in regards to this.”
He added: “I also spoke with the local community policing team, who were aware of the continuing issues at Langley Avenue, and while they continue to attend, arrest and charge those involved in incidents, it is then in the hands of the courts.
“There is a disconnect between the police and the local authority, where information is not being shared as routine, and this needs to be addressed as a matter of urgency.
“As a council, we are not dealing with problem tenants robustly enough.
“If things are nipped in the bud and not allowed to escalate we may not be where we are now.”
An Angus Council spokesperson said: “If residents have concerns around anti-social behaviour or come across drug paraphernalia, they should report this immediately to Angus Council via ACCESSLine online or by calling 03452 777 778.
“Their complaint will then be passed to the relevant service for investigation.”
Police Scotland has been contacted for comment.
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