ARRESTS for drug offences in Erskine have increased by 50 per cent during an 'intervention programme' aimed at making the area safer for residents.

The programme also saw a big drop in vandalism, littering and anti-social behaviour in the area, according to Renfrewshire Council.

The authority says the rise in drug arrests could be explained by a greater police presence in the area after local residents complained about a lack of officers on the beat.

The council, along with Police Scotland, Engage Renfrewshire, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and Renfrewshire's health and social care partnership worked together to tackle problems identified by Erskine residents, following other 'intervention programmes' in Ferguslie and Gallowhill.

Police officers, Renfrewshire wardens and the Renfrewshire community safety partnership youth team carried out joint patrols after school and in evenings to provide reassurance and address youth-related anti-social behaviour, with more than 100 young people spoken to with the aim of discouraging any offences.

Underage drinking has also been targeted, with large quantities of alcohol seized from youths with Police Scotland and the Youth Team carrying out follow up visits with parents to discuss the behaviour of their children.

The successful youth diversionary project Street Stuff was also deployed into the local area to divert young people from anti-social behaviour.

Councillor Marie McGurk, convener of Renfrewshire Council's communities, housing and planning policy board, said: "We want our local communities to be safe, welcoming places for our residents which is why we are asking them to identify the issues which matter to them.

"Once the key issues are identified, we're working alongside our partners to take action and make real improvements to the lives of people in the local community.

"The approach is showing fantastic results so far with significant reductions in anti-social behaviour and it is encouraging to see such a positive outcome in tackling the priorities of local people."

Superintendent Simon Wright, from Police Scotland's Renfrewshire and Inverclyde division, said: "Working closely with communities can bring real results in tackling the issues that matter to them most.

"By working together and being able to respond to the matters of concern, we can see a clear positive impact in the area and I'd like to thank all those who took the time to support the work we've been doing.

"Our local policing team will continue their work in the area to support residents in maintaining these positive results."

The Erskine Community Safety Partnership will continue to meet and be chaired by Police Scotland, which will ensure ongoing support from all partners and maintain the positive outcomes.