Latest news with #JudithMacgregor
Daily Record
23-05-2025
- Daily Record
Police and councils join forces to call for Ayrshire beaches to be enjoyed safely and responsibly
Following the tragic death of 16-year-old Kayden Moy, authorities are backing calls for people to "be responsible". "Be responsible" is the message from police and local authorities for people considering making a trip to the Ayrshire coast. It comes after 16-year-old Kayden Moy from East Kilbride tragically died after being seriously injured following an incident at Irvine Beach on Saturday, May 17. Police Scotland, the Scottish Violence Reduction Unit, North Ayrshire and South Ayrshire Council, as well as the region's costal MSPs and the Scottish Government, have all come together in a bid to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future. People are being asked to be responsible when visiting local shores. The key messaging is to not bring weapons, alcohol or drugs to the beach in line with the Safer Shores initiative. People are also being asked to take their litter and belongings home with them to keep beaches safe and tidy for the rest of the summer. Speaking exclusively to Ayrshire Live, Chief Inspector Judith Macgregor called for respect and consideration for others before adding that criminal and anti-social behaviour "will not be tolerated". CI Macgregor said: "My thoughts remain with the family and friends of Kayden Moy following the tragic events in Irvine at the weekend. "We encourage people visiting beaches in Ayrshire to be responsible and act with consideration for others. 'As part of our Safer Shores initiative, officers work closely with partner agencies, including Scotrail, Stagecoach, NHS Ayrshire and Arran and the local authorities to ensure our public spaces are safe and enjoyable for all. "Any criminal or anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated and we will carry out enforcement action where required. 'We can't tackle youth violence alone, and we work closely with our emergency service colleagues and key partners such as the Scottish Violence Reduction Unit, Medics Against Violence and Fearless, the dedicated youth service of the charity Crimestoppers. 'Officers support and deliver initiatives which do not alienate or criminalise our young people but help reduce violence and encourage them to make positive life choices. 'Anyone with information about those responsible for anti-social activity should report it to Police Scotland on 101 or make a call anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.' Jimmy Paul, head of the Scottish Violence Reduction Unit who are also backing the campaign, said: 'We know that the majority of young people gather together all the time to have fun without any problems and without it leading to violence. "We all want our young people to feel safe and not to feel the need to pick up a weapon which is why the SVRU works to address the underlying risk factors. There is no place for weapon-carrying in Scotland and we should not accept it. 'Young people should be able to enjoy themselves at the beach and anywhere in Scotland, and they should be able to do so safely.' A North Ayrshire Council spokesperson said: 'The tragic incident at Irvine Beach Park has been deeply upsetting and our thoughts are with the victim's family. 'We are committed to ensuring that our beaches are welcoming environments for visitors and local residents alike. 'Alongside partner agencies through our annual Safer Shores initiative, we make a collective effort to try to ensure all visitors can do so safely. In light of recent events, we are reflecting together on what can be done to redouble those efforts. 'We ask anyone visiting our beaches to do so responsibly and with consideration for others.' A South Ayrshire Council spokesperson added: 'Each year, we work with our partners on the Safer Shores campaign. 'The campaign highlights what's expected of beachgoers so that everyone can use Ayrshire beaches safely. 'Given the tragic events at Irvine Beach recently, we are even more determined to work together to ensure measures are in place to enhance public safety, support safe travel, and protect the environment.'
Daily Record
20-05-2025
- Daily Record
Families abandoning 'disgusting' Irvine beach because of 'boozed-up' teenagers
Volunteers claim they are collecting 'hundreds' of bottles each day during warm weather. Excessive drinking by boozed-up teenagers is forcing families to stop coming to Irvine beach. That is the claim from Irvine Clean Up Crew who also say the council should stop cleaning the shore unless they provide more staff. Group member Jean Harris said: 'During this hot weather we are despairing of the problems on our beach which is primarily caused by excessive drinking. 'Over several days we have been on the beach early every morning and have collected nearly 300 towels plus clothes and blankets as well as supporting the council picking up hundreds of cans and bottles. 'The state of the beach is disgusting and is now stopping families from going. It is such an important asset and a lot of regeneration work is going on at Irvine Harbour. "The police seem to be unable to stop the consumption of alcohol especially as most of the teenagers are underage. 'They seem to be coming to the beach with bottles but I thought the police would be taking them when they arrive in the area. 'The council give us a lot of help but having discussed this with our committee members we have agreed that we can no longer support them cleaning up the beach unless they can provide more manpower when the weather is hot. 'They arrive at 7.30am each day to clear things up but we need more help as there is so much debris on the beach. "It is concerning what the cost to the tax payer will be, given that emergency services have been called out on a number of occasions." Chief Inspector Judith Macgregor said: 'We encourage people visiting beaches in Ayrshire to be responsible and act with consideration for others. 'As part of our Safer Shores initiative, officers are working with partner agencies to ensure Ayrshire's beaches are safe and enjoyable for all. 'Any criminal or anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated and we will carry out enforcement action where required. 'Anyone with information about those responsible for anti-social activity should report it to Police Scotland on 101 or make a call anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.' A North Ayrshire Council spokesperson said: 'We really appreciate the work that the Irvine Clean-Up Crew carry out across the area and particularly at the beach park. 'We are looking to assign an additional operative to the beach each morning for the rest of the season, we hope this will support our own staff and the Irvine Clean-Up crew in our joint pursuit of keeping the area looking good. 'We hope to be able to confirm the new arrangements as soon as possible.'
