'Marshal law' at Dunfermline Bus Station after wave of anti-social behaviour

The Press reported last week Sheriff Charles MacNair claimed parts of Dunfermline were becoming “no-go areas”, with incidents at both the bus station and Tesco’s town centre car park leading to court appearances recently.

He made the comments after he sentenced a pregnant teenager, who was in a mob of youngsters that assaulted a vulnerable woman at Dunfermline bus station, to carry out 300 hours of unpaid work.

Two male youths were also sentenced for their part in the incident and there have been numerous complaints about gangs of youths hanging about both spots, drinking and causing trouble.

The complaints have prompted bus marshals to be put in place on Friday and Saturday evenings in a bid to tackle the trouble.

A spokeswoman for Stagecoach East Scotland said: “We work closely with Police Scotland and Fife Council to ensure our services and infrastructure are safe and welcoming environments at all times, as safety is our absolute priority.

“The bus marshals have been present in and around Dunfermline bus station on Friday and Saturday nights recently, following reports of anti-social behaviour in the area and we are grateful for their presence in assuring customer safety at all times.”

The move is supported by Police Scotland, who launched Operation Path recently, an initiative committed to tackling violent crime throughout the region.

Chief Inspector Stevie Hamilton, who is leading Operation Path, said: “In addition to the high-visibility patrols and enforcement activity you will see across Fife over the coming months, police will be liaising with local licensed premises to improve information sharing between our respective organisations.

“We have also assisted Dunfermline’s Bus Station in providing bus marshals, who will help deal with, and ultimately deter, crimes of violence at this premises during key times.

“The vast majority of Fife’s young people are a credit to themselves, their families and their schools, however, we recognise that a small minority are responsible for a significant proportion of the anti-social behaviour, disorder and associated offences we respond to.

“As such, we have been working with Fife Council, local high schools and other relevant partners to provide some really excellent opportunities for Fife’s young people to get involved with.”