POLICE Scotland's commanding officer in West Dunbartonshire and Argyll has praised a co-ordinated approach aimed at tackling problems caused by naval base personnel in the area's licensed premises.

Chief Superintendent Hazel Hendren said partnership working between Police Scotland, the MoD Police and the Royal Navy Police was resulting in an improved approach to dealing with the issue.

As previously reported in the Advertiser, concerns have been raised by members of the Pubwatch scheme in both Helensburgh and the Vale of Leven over the behaviour of naval base personnel.

One Balloch nightclub even banned navy personnel from the premises for three months in response to what it called “a number of recorded serious incidents involving military personnel”.

In a report to the West Dunbartonshire Community Planning management board this week, Chief Supt Hendren, the area's divisional commander, says Ministry of Defence Police and Royal Navy Police personnel have both carried out visits to licensed premises in the area, including those where problems had been reported.

In her report she said: “Concerns were raised by members of Helensburgh and Vale of Leven (VOL) Pubwatch regarding incidents involving personnel from HMNB Clyde within their premises.

“A joint meeting was organised inviting Ministry of Defence Police (MDP) and Royal Navy Police (RNP) to discuss concerns raised by publicans and identify what actions/tasks could be agreed on to support them.

“This liaison has resulted in Police Scotland and MDP visiting licensed premises where staff had voiced concerns or had experienced recent incidents.

“RNP carried out numerous licensed premises visits, introducing themselves and providing contact details.

“MDP already attend briefings within Helensburgh police office and arrangements were made for RNP to also attend briefings for late and night shifts on weekends in Dumbarton.

“This has resulted in a much improved partnership approach to deal with incidents in Helensburgh and Vale of Leven.”