Operation Ironworks underway in Strathearn

Jun 22 2012 by Lynn Duke, Strathearn Herald

OPERATION Ironworks is up and running for the fifth consecutive year.

The annual initiative involves Tayside, Central Scotland and Strathclyde police forces, National Park rangers, water bailiffs, forestry rangers and local authorities adopting a multi-agency approach to dealing with issues such as littering, anti-social behaviour and road traffic issues within the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park.

In addition to a number of planned weekends of action throughout the summer and autumn, local officers will be carrying out further patrols on other weekends when the area is busy.

Comrie Community Crime Officer, PC Ross Buchan told the Herald: “So far this year we have had three Ironworks dedicated weekends. Unfortunately, the weather has not, on the whole been favourable, which has kept visitor numbers down.

“We are hopeful that we will get the good summer we are long overdue, so more people will come to the National Park and enjoy it in a responsible, respectful way.

“The vast majority of people adhere naturally to advice given to visitors by National Park rangers in relation to camping and other activities. However, the less respectful minority can often ruin it for the rest and that is what we are there to prevent. Any anti-social or criminal activity will be dealt with robustly.”

And PC Buchan revealed that, despite visitor numbers being quite low to date, two people have already been charged for drink driving and careless driving offences.

He also added: “We appreciate that speeding vehicles in the area is a community concern and we will carry out speed checks in the village of St Fillans. The SafeTaysiders speeding van has also been in operation on the A85 at Loch Earn.”