Fears raised over Baron’s Haugh conduct that could be putting youngsters at risk

Just days ago,The Sunday Times travel section told its readers that Baron’s Haugh was the most desirable spot for a walk in North Lanarkshire - but levels of lockdown disorder have reached unprecedented levels at the site and police patrols have been stepped up.

The area which features a wetland nature reserve owned by the RSPB, has acted as a magnet for young hooligans laden with alcohol who continue to travel from across North Lanarkshire for boozy meet-ups.

Councillor Agnes Magowan continues to be inundated with complaints from those who live nearby in what has been a trying ongoing saga since lockdown began.

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The Scottish Nationalist said that she had lived in the area for 60 years and had never witnessed anything like the perilous levels of anti-social conduct that are disturbing the peace at the beauty spot.

And crucially, she believes that careless parenting could in fact be enabling this state-of-affairs which also puts their offspring at risk.
She said: “I would ask that all parents speak to their youngsters and tell them not to meet in groups due to the dangers of Covid 19 and to keep away from Baron’s Haugh. It is very dangerous being near a fast flowing river in the dark.

“A girl fell in last week but luckily was okay. It is gravely dangerous for young people under the influence of strong drink to be meeting in the dark in Baron’s Haugh.“

“The police are working hard to contain and change this very reckless, dangerous and anti- social behaviour.There is a rumour that parents or other adults are dropping off young people with their ‘carry out’ at various entrances to Baron’s Haugh.

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“Can I ask all parents, if this is happening, to desist from this practice as you are putting your child in danger and you may find yourself on the wrong side of the law.

Meanwhile David Anderson, RSPB Scotland Warden at Baron’s Haugh, said: “This is such a wonderful nature reserve with amazing wildlife and it is incredibly frustrating to see this increase in anti-social behaviour.

“We have wonderful local volunteers and we are particularly upset that, as part of our essential maintenance plans during lockdown, they are having to spend a lot of time cleaning up after these groups.”