CCTV cameras could be used at Helensburgh's main railway station to deter gangs of youths from gathering, a councillor has suggested.

Helensburgh Central councillor Gary Mulvaney, Argyll and Bute Council’s depute leader, put the idea to the town’s police chief at a meeting on Thursday.

Cllr Mulvaney said he had received questions from residents about what can be done about young people meeting at Helensburgh Central station, who he says have been “noisy and aggressive”.

Inspector Roddy MacNeill said that security measures on trains were being stepped up and he would look into what could be done on the matter.

The discussion took place at a virtual meeting of the council’s Helensburgh and Lomond area committee on Thursday, September 16.

Councillor Mulvaney said: “This question has been put to me a couple of times in recent weeks, which has probably been down to the better weather.

“But there are the problems we have historically had around Helensburgh railway station, with gangs of young people being there and being quite noisy and aggressive.

“It is a bit intimidating for others and has been flagged up as an issue.

"Last week I did witness it myself, at about 8pm one evening, when I was walking along.

“One person who spoke to me said that they had dialled 101 but after 15 minutes, having gone through an automated phone and hung on the line, they gave up. They did not want to waste any more time.

“I was a bit surprised about that, because 101 is the correct place to ring.

"I am not saying that the young people were doing any wrong, but by talking and acting as they did, it was quite intimidating.

“I wonder if it is something we need to pick up again, or whether we should maybe look to make that a camera location?”

Inspector MacNeill replied: “The British Transport Police are responsible for stations and lines and they are very much involved with operations in Balloch and Luss.

“I don’t work for them, or Network Rail, but there have been very few, or no, ticket examiners on trains due to Covid, making it a way for young people to get about for free.

“But that is now changing and there are security teams getting into trains.

"We have done a couple of days and nights of action with the British Transport Police on the Helensburgh and Cardross line.

“We have a camera on East Princes Street, giving us a view along past the station entrance, but I will take on board what you have said regarding youths gathering.

"We do work in partnership with them and will do it again.”