LARGS town centre is to get a dedicated beat police officer after concerns over Covid-19 breaches, late night fireworks and unruly youths.

We recently reported concerns over gangmasters running begging scams in the area while yobs have also been seen congregating illegally late at night.

Largs Community Council made representations to police after learning of lockdown house parties taking place in recent weeks.

Sergeant Sharon Kerr says a new police presence will be in place moving forward.

Campus policeman Ross Pollard, pictured, will now take responsibility for patrolling key parts of the town centre.

Sergeant Kerr explained: "Ross is the Largs Campus officer and has been working intermittently at the school but obviously it is currently only open for key workers' children. He will be in position now to cover other areea.

"Ross will be covering Boyd Street, Nelson Street, Gallowgate Street and the town centre.

"People will see a heightened police presence in the town centre for the next two weeks at least, but if there are any areas of concern, please contact 101."

Sergeant Kerr revealed that there has been a total of 226 incidents reporte during the past month including two serious assaults and a man reported for careless driving and driving away from the scene of a crime.

She said enquiries are also continuing into the armed robbery at Farmfoods.

Community councillor Robbie Stevenson has also called for police to keep watch at Bellsdale Avenue after a schoolgirl plunged 15 feet onto rocks as youths gathered in the woods nearby.

Sergeant Kerr has said routine checks in the area at Bellsdale will now be introduced.

On the begging issue, community councillor Linda Wood said: "I raised the subject of the beggars travelling into Largs - what is the policy for dealing with them? Sgt Kerr replied: "It is a bit complicated as you need to be aware of what the circumstances are with an individual - are they are a victim or is there something more underlying?

"There isn't anything underlying in terms of them being forced into the town to gather money for other people - that is not the case.

"You normally need a street trader's licence to be out and around in the town. That is not the case for these individuals so it is very much about us making our presence being felt and challenging what they are doing and why they are doing it.

"There are no issues or concern in relation to the backgrounds. The town centre is a place they have chosen to go and it has become an issue. Reporting from the community remains key."