CONCERNS over rising anti-social behaviour have put a spotlight on public safety at Kilmarnock Bus Station.
The transport hub has seen repeated incidents of anti-social behaviour and violence, including an attempted murder bid last month which police are currently investigating.
The town centre has faced incidents of disorder, prompting concerns from councillors, who say it is damaging Kilmarnock’s reputation.
Councillors discussed the ongoing issue at a recent meeting of East Ayrshire Council.
Councillor Graham Boyd said: "I think the police are doing a brilliant job under challenging conditions.
"It has to stop. People are telling me they're not going into that town centre because of the bus station and what's happening with youth behaviour.
"This town is getting reputational damage because we're not tackling it."
The council's chief executive confirmed the local authority has been meeting with senior police officers to explore further action and direct support at the bus station.
He said discussions are ongoing about how police and council resources are focused and deployed in the area, and that a joint response is required across multiple agencies.
Councillor Claire Cogley said: "Here we are nearly a year on with these awful incidents still happening in Kilmarnock town centre.
"Is there going to be a loss of life before we actually take this seriously enough to address it?"
It was confirmed a new anti-social behaviour strategy has been approved and will be imminently put out to consultation with key partners.
Councillor James Adams said: "It's public safety and people need to know that they can be safe going into Kilmarnock at any time.
"We need more of a presence in and around the bus station particularly at the weekends."
Consultation on the anti-social behaviour strategy will commence imminently.
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