A MOBILE youth centre appeared in the Bridgegate last Friday in a bid to help beat youth disorder in the town centre.

The mobile youth centre – kitted out with games consoles and mobile charging points – was rolled into the Bridgegate on Friday to help police and youth workers engage with youngsters.

This was during a multi-agency day of action focusing on Irvine town centre – with North Ayrshire’s top cop saying an action plan to tackle disorder is now underway.

North Ayrshire Chief Inspector Brian Shaw said: “We are committed to tackling issues of local concern and to working with communities in doing so. Today was an opportunity to highlight just some of the work that takes place on a daily basis as we work to make North Ayrshire a safer place to live, work and visit.

“We have been working with the North Ayrshire Council Antisocial Behaviour Investigation Team, meeting young people and their parents or carers, to highlight the impact and consequences of engaging in antisocial behaviour.

“Additional police patrols have been conducted in the area, and we are working closely with public space CCTV operators and businesses to tackle any issues that arise.

“A recent multi agency walkabout in the area with community representatives identified particular areas of graffiti and damage which contribute to the fear of crime. An action plan is underway which includes environmental improvements and we will continue to support our partners in their efforts.”

“We would like to thank everyone who took the time to speak with us and our partners for their continued support. I would encourage anyone with any concerns about crime and safety in their community to contact us.”

Mounted Branch officers engaging with visitors in the town centre on Friday, May 10 resulted in the arrest of a 58-year-old man in West Road who had four outstanding court warrants.

A quantity of suspected class C drugs were seized for further analysis after the search of a property in McKinlay Crescent, Irvine. A man was also reported to the Procurator Fiscal for the alleged theft of electricity.

Police and Trading Standards Officers conducted joint visits to stores selling knives to promote responsible retailing for age restricted products and inspected licensed off sales premises.

Additional patrols focusing on road safety and traffic enforcement resulted in five fixed penalty notices being issued to drivers.