Baltic Street residents association have hit out at news that a review is to take place on the boundaries of the no-alcohol zones in Montrose.

Association chairman, David Thornton, said the current zone is not working, at least on their street.
Inspector Kenny Hart, who is in charge of policing in Montrose, said last week that "continued robust enforcement of the by-laws" had greatly reduced instances of town centre anti-social behaviour.

But Mr Thornton disagrees. He said: "That is a little bit inaccurate. In our area that is not happening.

"Between June and August 10, there have been nine complaints from residents. We've been told to report these incidents but why phone? People end up having to wait too long to get through on the non-emergency number, so they give up. They don't want to sit up all night on the phone."

He also said that some residents had not received any feedback on the incidents they had reported.

Mr Thornton and his vice-chairman, Len Dorrington, have held a meeting with Inspector Hart, where they showed him bottles and glasses they had picked up. They also took with them to the meeting a catalogue of eye-witness reports listing dates, times and places of unruly behaviour and drinking in the streets.

He said: "At one time we did have a robust enforcement. Foot patrols used to make a difference. This Saturday, there was a foot patrol.

"There is a camera at the Kirkie steps but it doesn't move. If the camera was scanning, they'd be picked up.

"The police say they are aware of the situation, but they always say they don't have enough resources.

"There needs to be a lot done, there should be improvements made to the licensing act and there should be robust action on miscreants. It's just a few spoiling it for others.

"Inspector Hart said the residents can help by phoning the police, or by taking a note and phoning in the morning, which will help get more resources. We're playing our part to help him.

"I'm not happy at all this nonsense – it's affecting our quality of life. It's finding litter, seeing people urinating and vomiting in doorways.

"There's also the boy racers – driving up and down, trying to pick up girls.

"We'll give Inspector Hart the benefit of the doubt. I'm not against nightclubs or superpubs - I want the youngsters to have choice."