RESIDENTS of Priesthill and Darnley are being urged to report vandalism when they see it after a spate of incidents left windows smashed and grass set alight.

A fire was set alight at Priesthill Pitches on Priesthill Road last Monday, with members of the community commenting on how up to 5 separate fire were lit in the area.

Donna Foote, a local community activist, said: "It's the same problem we've been having for the past couple of years, and every time we bring it to the police, they're telling us that they don't have enough reports to suggest the size of the problem.

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"Even just last week, we had the pitches set on fire and windows were smashed as they walked back up through Shields Court.

Scottish fire and rescue service confirmed this report of multiple fires, saying: "We were alerted at 5.47pm on Monday, June 1 to reports of a grass fire on Priesthill Road, Glasgow.

"We were alerted at 7.17pm on the same evening to reports of a grass fire on playing fields on Priesthill Road, Glasgow.

"The crew left after making the area safe."

The Glasgow Times reported in January how a group of 10-year-olds were "terrorising" the area, with one resident saying Priesthill has become "like the bronx".

A resident spoke to The Glasgow Times at the time, saying: “There’s been a lot of what seems to be gang-related conflict among young people, which we haven’t seen here since before Silverburn [Shopping Centre] was built.

“We need to let the services and the police know that people are really concerned.”

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Another resident told of how they had seen an increase near the Dams to Darnley in more recent months saying: "I've been walking up there for the past 12 years since I moved to Darnley.

I never used to see a soul, but last weekend it looked like a holiday resort! Glad to see people enjoying it, but hate seeing the graffiti and litter."

Donna pleaded with residents to contact police, or Crimestoppers anonymously.

She said: "How much longer can residents take this?

"Since Silverburn closed during lockdown, we've seen the community becoming the target instead.

"The groups of youths that are smashing windows and setting fires seem to think they are untouchable, because the police are not receiving enough quality reports to mirror the amount of anti-social behaviour."

The colloquially-named 'Barratt flats' on Linhead Drive also seems to be a target for vandals, with Donna saying: " We've had fly-tipping and even fires set inside the closes of the Barratt flats.

"These aren't just small accidents, it could end up harming someone or being fatal.

"People may be scared to be a 'grass' but there are services like Crimestoppers which allows you to report the crimes confidentially.

"Their hands are tied - if people don't report to the police, they can't act."