GLASGOW'S combative housing convener has demanded support from local communities to help stamp out vandalism which is costing the city around #2.7m a year, writes John MacCalman, Municipal Correspondent.
After the cost was disclosed in a report yesterday, Councillor James McCarron snapped: ''It's the height of irresponsibility for people to vandalise houses within their community. It's not tourists that are doing it. The vandalism is coming from within.
''In my opinion it's quite inexcusable. It's an enormous sum of money.
''Communities have got to address that issue. It's their young people who are doing it.
''For #2.7m a lot of houses could be modernised. A lot of homes could be made warm and comfortable. The council is certainly not to blame for this.''
Repairs to vandalised property cost #1,064,150 while security measures to prevent vandalism, such as fitting mesh over the windows and doors the upkeep of empty houses, cost #1,622,566.
Councillor McCarron said he was considering launching a campaign in schools to get the message across that vandalism represented a cost to everyone in the community.
He added: ''What these people are doing is damaging property to such an extent that we'll have to pull it down, like we had to at Avonspark Street in the north of the city where #2m of improvements were made and subsequently vandalised.
''The property was demolished, but the council is still paying the debt charges on it.
''These people are undermining much of the good work that's being done in the city, and presenting a bad image of the city.
''It's a bad message for Glasgow that a small group of citizens vandalise their own homes and cost the council #2.7m.
''Perhaps we should be looking at a new community involvement - self-demolition. They might solve Glasgow's problems before the rest of us do,'' he concluded bitterly.''
q An eight-year-old girl is among five children arrested by police after damage estimated at more than #10,000 was caused at a primary school .
Prestonfield Primary School, in Edinburgh, was damaged on Monday evening after the school was closed for a local holiday.
Lothian and Borders Police said yesterday that five children would be reported to the children's panel. They are two boys aged 13, a boy aged 11, a boy aged 10, and a girl aged eight.
The school had to be closed after 166 windows were shattered.
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