A HISTORIC graveyard in the city centre has become a "focal point" for police after concerns were raised by the local community. 

Speaking at the Merchant City and Trongate Community Council (MCTCC) meeting on Tuesday, August 27, PC Sean McFadden told attendees that Ramshorn Graveyard, located just off Ingram Street, is "big on our radar at the moment". 

It comes after residents raised concerns about illegal drug use in the cemetery at the previous MCTCC meeting on Tuesday, July 30. 

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He said police have been giving the churchyard "as much attention as we can" and are visiting the area multiple times a day to deter illegal activity with a number of arrests having been made over the last four weeks. 

A spokesperson for the force was unable to reveal the exact number of arrests that have been made and what they were in connection to. 

It is understood police have also spoken with Glasgow City Council about increasing cleansing in the area to remove paraphernalia. 

Ramshorn Graveyard (Image: Colin Mearns, Newsquest)

Residents thanked PC McFadden for the swift response of local officers after they had expressed their concerns. 

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "With regard to the issues at the cemetery especially in relation to drug misuse and discarded paraphernalia, a number of arrests have been made and officers will continue to regularly patrol the area in an effort to deter any further illegal activity.

"We would also ask for the continued assistance of the public and would urge people to contact police at the time when anyone is seen acting illegally in the area so that effective action can be taken."

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A spokesperson for Glasgow City Council said: "We aware of reports of needles being found within the cemetery and arrangements are currently in place to have these items safely removed.

"Ramshorn Cemetery is owned by City Property but the council is currently in the process of adopting the cemetery for inclusion in our routine maintenance programme."

Ramshorn Graveyard, which dates back to 1719, is one of the oldest cemeteries in Glasgow and is the burial place of many of the city’s richest merchants, Lord Provosts and other notable figures.