FED up residents have hit out at teenage vandals who target the Neilston countryside.

Groups of high school students have been seen leaving smashed bottles and litter across Neilston Pad, while a number of wooden gates have also been damaged.

Aside from the unsightly mess in the popular dog walking area, villagers say boozed-up teens have even kicked wing mirrors off cars and caused damage to train carriages as they travel to and from the Pad.

One resident, who asked not to be named, claimed the problem is being caused by youths coming from nearby towns.

He said: “I walk there regularly with my dog and have noticed teams of young teenagers rambling towards it, all high school age. The country walk is now littered with broken booze bottles and rubbish strewn randomly. 

“Since then, it’s increased somewhat. Now I hear beat boxes in the middle of the forests, yells and screams from the area. 

“I have spoken to other walkers and have been told the gangs of mixed youths are not from this area but Newton Mearns, just one stop down the railway line. 

“Car mirrors are randomly kicked off and there’s been a fair amount of vandalism to the train. I was told police have been in attendance but it doesn’t look to be having much effect.”

The resident, who has lived in Neilston for 30 years, insisted the blame should not be put on youths from the village but rather those from the surrounding areas who see the Pad as a free target.

He continued: “You’re getting kids from all areas apparently, Darnley all the way to Newton Mearns, Whitecraigs – there was 80 to 100 one time.

“Youngsters have been doing that for years. They’d go up camping and you don’t mind that, it’s part of living in Neilston I suppose and they’d clear their mess up.

“But this time it’s people coming from outside the area and their disrespecting it. It’s a wee bit sickening to be honest.”

Police confirmed to the Barrhead News they have received reports of anti-social behaviour in the area and have plans in place to deal with the issue, including attending the area on a regular basis.