Pupils’ bad behaviour should not be tolerated

Feb 19 2009 by Margaret Shaw, Hamilton Advertiser

I AM writing to express my concerns about the behaviour of pupils from Calderside Academy in Blantyre at lunchtimes. These pupils have no respect for the area, its residents or for the uniform they are wearing.

Litter is dropped where they stand. They shout, swear and smoke openly.

The area around Glasgow Road at Asda is a no-go area at this time of day. I cannot understand why our community wardens are not on duty in this area rather than wandering around aimlessly in other areas where there are no problems at this time of day.

What prompted me to write was the dangerous behaviour of these children during the snowy weather last week. They gathered to pelt cars and buses on Glasgow Road, much to the alarm of drivers and commuters. I myself witnessed several boys trying to push Asda trolleys into the path of traffic.

I phoned the police and I phoned the school, but the same thing happened the next day.

These children are unsupervised and out of control. Our police and wardens should be doing something to change this situation.

M. Smith, Blantyre resident.