THERE have been calls to tackle Troon’s beach invasion problem after the town was targeted twice in the one week.

The recurring problem reared its ugly head again, when thousands of teens, many too drunk to stand, descended on the town on Tuesday, July 18. Police were on the alert as another warning was sent out yesterday, Monday, for another invasion.

The Troon Times spoke to a cross-section of the community, many who are frustrated at the regular summer disturbances that happened .

Davinder Singh, owner of a Troon convenience store, said: “A lot of the youngsters came in and tried to buy alcohol and we were refusing them, mainly because they were underage while a lot of them were already drunk.

There was no trouble with them trying to steal from the shop or anything like that. It is good for business when they come to Troon – but only if they behave.”

Ian Main, owner of Connor’s Butchers, added: “We were not really affected but it would become a problem if mum, dad and the kids are put off coming to Troon because of the youngsters.

“That would be a serious concern because we do want to encourage families to visit, which is good for everyone.

“Another issue was underage kids getting older ones to buy booze for them. That caused a lot of the trouble.”

James Duncan, of Charles Duncan Butches, commented: “It is just kids having fun. We all did silly things at that age. Albeit a little bit more organised these days with social media.

The police were doing a great job and, fair play to them, pulling traffic officers off their normal duties helped. There were no major issues on my part, and by the time I closed at 5.30pm it was all quiet.”

There was a mixed reaction from the business community.

Marion McLean, owner of Pooch Pantry, said: “We saw one or two people passing the shop but to be honest, it is good to see people coming to the town. My husband was down on the beach with our dog that morning and
it was mostly families.

“He saw some of the young ones arriving and they weren’t causing any bother.

“Looking at the photos in the Troon Times, it was busy later on though.”
Colin Byron, of Blueberries Coffee Shop, added: “We had a couple of them coming in for an ice cream but I think a lot of them were just wanting alcohol.

“It was places selling alcohol that would be affected.

“There was one couple came in. She was in her bikini and he was wearing shorts. But they were no bother.

“If they knew we sold alcohol, the young people would have come in. But we do not advertise it much unless you come into the cafe.”