Police determined to make Balloch Park somewhere everyone can enjoy this summer

Police say they are determined to make sure that everyone can enjoy visiting Balloch Park this summer without fear of anti-social behaviour.

The Lennox Herald joined officers from the local division at the park on a sunny afternoon to see the work ongoing first-hand as part of Operation Ballaton.

It was launched to tackle anti-social behaviour blighting the Loch Lomondside beauty spot, with officers from Police Scotland working with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, British Transport Police, West Dunbartonshire Council, Argyll and Bute Council, the National Park authority and Scotrail to crack down on loutish behaviour that saw the park labelled a “no go area” during spells of good weather.

Operation Ballaton proved a success, with a drop in incidents of anti-social behaviour.

Bylaws around drinking alcohol in the park are set to be tightened further, giving police the power to remove unopened drink from revellers, whilst the increased presence of officers looks to be deterring troublemakers.

Local Area Commander, Chief Inspector Kirsten McLatchie told the Lennox: “Our priority, as well as that of all our partners, is for everyone who wants to come to Balloch Park to do so and feel like they can safely, without a fear of anti-social behaviour.

“If anything does happen then Operation Ballaton ensures that it will be dealt with swiftly. It’s a great place to come and enjoy.

“Ninety-nine percent of the time we’re policing in a jovial and engagement-led way with the public.

“If we have to flex our policing style into a more robust way then it is for a very good reason. It is in order to combat escalating disorder. It’s really important that we are able to nip that in the bud as quickly as we can.”

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