Anti-social behaviour, including littering, vandalism and graffiti unfortunately can increase during this period.

But the message from  South Lanarkshire Council is clear – respect your surroundings and your neighbours, and please report those who do not do the same.

Chair of the council’s Housing and Technical Resources Committee, Councillor Davie McLachlan, said: “We want to remind everyone that respecting where you live is important and makes a difference to your whole community.

“During the pandemic local parks and open spaces have been a lifeline for many. Let’s respect the space that we have within our communities and help everyone enjoy that space in the summer months.”

There are a number of simple and easy things everyone can do.

This includes:

• If you drop litter, pick it up
• If you are eating/drinking in a park or a green space, dispose of your rubbish. Put it in the bin or take it home if bins are full 
• Don’t leave broken glass behind. This can lead to children and animals being injured and causing unnecessary suffering.  Vet bills are very expensive too.
• Look after your equipment. Vandalising play equipment means that young people can’t enjoy the equipment and play safely. Vandalising benches means that it’s friends and your families who suffer and can’t sit down for a chat or to enjoy some peace and fresh air and enjoy our spaces
• The impact of fires in the open can be devastating for communities, wildlife and farmland – dispose of materials such as barbeques very carefully and protect our countryside.

Councillor McLachlan added: “It’s your community, your people and your space. So, let’s all enjoy it together.”

To report any anti-social behaviour issues please call 0800 389 1105 or email the team.

Alternatively, the police can be contacted on 101 for any anti-social behaviour issues or in an emergency call 999.

Look out for more stories on these topics in the View over the next few weeks.