Tackling antisocial behaviour on Pollok buses is 'top priority' for FM
Humza Yousaf met with bosses at First Bus after more than 20 incidents of criminal and antisocial behaviour
The First Minister has expressed his "solidarity" with First Glasgow on the problems the bus operator has faced with anti-social behaviour in Pollok.
Humza Yousaf, who is local MSP for Glasgow Pollok, spoke with First Bus bosses on Friday after the operator highlighted the serious incidents it has been facing in Pollok and threatened to withdraw services following the significant rise in anti-social behaviour.
Since the beginning of February this year, First Glasgow has recorded 21 incidents on services 3, X8, 10 and 57 through the Pollok community ranging from arson to bricks being thrown through windows.
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Bosses say it has now reached the stage that causes a "threat to life" for staff and customers.
First Bus Glasgow has been holding ongoing discussions with Police Scotland and local councillors in the area in recent weeks on how to tackle the incidents.
'A top priority'
Humza Yousaf acknowledged the difficulties being faced in the area - he said the issue needs "full community support" from across the political spectrum.
He said: “The violent behaviour facing staff members is totally unacceptable – a point I reiterated to First Glasgow directly at a recent meeting.
“Rest assured, tackling this scourge of anti-social behaviour on our local buses is a top priority for myself, First Glasgow, Police Scotland and the communities these bus routes serve.
“As the MSP for Pollok, I will do everything I can to bring police, schools, First Glasgow and service users together to ensure we find a way forward that works in the best interests of the community – that maintains, and improves, the current level of service and protects First Glasgow staff and customers from violent behaviour.”
'The time has come to take action'
Duncan Cameron, Managing Director of First Bus Scotland, said: “The level of criminal and anti-social behaviour in Pollok has reached an unacceptable level in recent months and the time has come to take action.
“We have held a number of constructive discussions with Police Scotland and local councillors in the last two weeks.
"On Friday 7 April, we released a statement via social media to highlight the seriousness of this behaviour which included a threat that, if it were to continue, we would have to withdraw services in the area.
“While the reaction to our statement has been positive from community groups, we need to continue to build on the momentum to make sure we are able to maintain services safely and reliably for our staff and everyone in the community.
"We are very grateful for the First Minister’s support along with others which highlights how serious an issue this is.”