A LOCAL politician has demanded the Scottish Government take "tangible action" on the rise in anti-social behaviour (ASB) in Barrhead.

It comes after Paul O'Kane MSP urged they take action during a debate in Holyrood recently, saying: "West of Scotland is affected by ASB and indeed violence in many communities and I have heard first hand from constituents about the blight it plays upon their lives".

In the statement, the politician went on to speak about the recent spike in anti-social behaviour incidents in the town, including the accounts of people receiving abuse from outside the Asda store and the recent suspension of McGill's bus services in the area to protect passengers.

On top of that, the MSP also welcomed a new Scottish Government report which looks at the country's approach to tackling ASB.

It recommends a "long-term approach that recognises societal changes and evolves" and setting up an independently chaired group of experts to "develop a long-term framework for addressing anti-social behaviour".

However, the local politician went on to express his concerns about a lack of action following the report, saying: "My concern would be we can't just say it's a long-term approach, leave it to another working group and not see any tangible action".

Paul O'Kane MSP said: “The debate we had today was a necessary one, and that became loud and clear once MSP after MSP gave accounts from constituents up and down the country about facing anti-social behaviour.

“As I said the debate, I am pleased that the Scottish Government review of the problem has been done but that review has to be followed by action, it can’t just be about enabling more bureaucracy that doesn’t go anywhere.

“I look forward to receiving my response from the Minister and I’m determined to bring about a healthy dialogue between the local authority, police services and the Scottish Government about what we can do to get anti-social behaviour in our communities under control."

The Labour man is currently waiting on a response from the Minister of Victims and Community Safety, Siobhian Brown, after asking her to engage on what can be done now to tackle the issue.