AYR MP Allan Dorans has joined a national campaign to tackle anti-social behaviour (ASB) and keep people in Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock safe.

Running from July 18 to 22, ASB Awareness Week – Making Communities Safer aims to encourage communities to take a stand against ASB and highlight the actions that can be taken by those experiencing it.

Anti-social behaviour can include: noise, shouting, swearing, fighting, intimidation, harassment, verbal abuse, bullying, abusive behviour, dumping rubbish and vandalism.

Organised by Resolve, the UK’s leading ASB and community safety organisation, the week features a series of events all across the UK involving councils, police forces, housing associations, charities, community groups and sports clubs.

Recent research commissioned by Resolve and carried out by YouGove found that more than half of people in the UK – 56 per cent to be exact – believe that ‘more needs to be done’ to tackle ASB in their community.

However, after they witnessed or experienced ASB, a similar proportion of the public – 57 per cent – said that they did not report the incident to anyone.

Incidents can be reported to the anti-social behaviour team at South Ayrshire Council on my.south-ayrshire.gov.uk or by calling 0300 123 0900.

People should contact the police if they feel that they are at immediate risk or in danger.

Mr Dorans said: “I am pleased to offer my support to ASB Awareness Week 2022, and I am committed to ensuring that everyone has the right to feel safe in their home and community.

“I am aware from correspondence with constituents that ASB is an area of public concern that needs to be addressed on both a local and national level.”

Rebecca Bryant OBE, chief executive of resolve added: “ASB is not low-level crime. It can have a long-lasting impact on the lives of victims and communities and can be a precursor to more serious crime.

“It is important that the challenge of ASB continues to be given the priority it needs so that people everywhere feel safe in their homes and communities.

“We are delighted that Allan is supporting this hugely important campaign.

“It is vital to develop partnership approaches across communities to deal with the growing challenges around ASB.”

The Scottish Government has reminded residents to call 999 if you or someone else is in immediate danger.

Report antisocial behaviour to the police by calling 101 or by visiting your local police station.