A DUNFERMLINE police inspector has called on parents to help them stamp out youth anti-social behaviour in the town this summer.

The Press caught up with Community Inspector Neil McGurk to discover the main challenges facing local cops in the town right now.

With previous bad behaviour having taken place in areas including the bus station, Pittencrieff Park and Calais Woods, Inspector McGurk said although still an area of focus, the problem was currently not as big as before.

"We do get some calls to do with anti-social behaviour still, however, sometimes it is not exaggerated by members of the public but there is a bit of intolerance," he said. "The kids have got to go some place and gather with their friends but kids and parents have got to be aware though of the perception that it causes for vulnerable people or the elderly or businesses where they are hanging around."

He said areas such as Dunfermline Bus Station have caused problems in the past but a joint initiative with Fife Council's transportation and community partnership has seen the addition of marshals who patrol the area at times of concern.

"Primarily, they are more of a reassurance for the public. We haven't been getting huge problems. Kids in Dunfermline all know each other and they come into the (bus station) area, particularly when it is the better nights, and go up and have a carry-on and laugh with their pals," he said.

"We have had youth anti-social behaviour in the Glen, kids with fires, kids hanging about in groups as they do, drinking and stuff like that and an issue with minor damage. A few minor fireraising incidents a couple of months ago and two youngsters were caught and charged with fireraising.

"Through some good work, we identified the two who were charged with it. Since then, the calls have dramatically reduced.

"The Glen is a bit of a jewel in the Dunfermline crown. Further development and money is being spent on it and a lot of visitors go through there. If parents are aware their kids are hanging about there at the weekends, it is not to say they cannot go there, just to be mindful that they use it properly and not cause damage, leave litter or broken glass."

Another area officers are working on to help stem youth disorder is Calais Woods and the new McDonald's restaurant in Duloch.

"Kids are looking for places to hang around, causing minor fires. The implications of that obviously, particularly in the drier weather, are that it can spread. A lot of money has been spent over the years developing the woods. They should be enjoyed and not abused," added Inspector McGurk.

"We have been doing patrols in recent times as it is an area that has caused us a bit of concern.

"We do not have an issue with kids congregating there and enjoying it but again we want it to be done sensibly; not leaving litter, starting fires, making too much noise to disturb local residents.

"McDonald's is similar. We have had discussions with McDonald's and businesses around there in relation to keeping an eye on individuals and groups hanging about that bit and they are taking that on board.

"It is manageable but we could always be better – any assistance we could get off parents to be aware of that and to speak to their kids. People need some place to go. It is not against the law for people to stand with their pals. The message from us is use it sensibly and enjoy the surroundings.

"If there's any concerns, let us know. Contact the community officers in Dunfermline and we will try our best to sort it out and take action."