ALCOHOL has been seized from youths gathering in Haddington town centre.

An increase in the number of calls made to police regarding anti-social behaviour and large groups of youths led to officers taking action on March 13.

A combination of high-visibility foot patrols and mobile patrols were carried out by community officers throughout the afternoon and evening.

The initiative was highlighted to the town’s community council, who met virtually earlier this month.

A written report, which was sent ahead of the meeting, noted: “Officers engaged with a number of youths in the area of the town centre, Lady Kitty’s Doocot and Neilson Park.

“They were thereafter dispersed after a quantity of alcohol was seized.

“High-visibility patrols are continuing in the area.”

A Problem Solving Partnership (PSP) was set up in Haddington in July last year.

The group, which was established to tackle anti-social behaviour, brings together officers from Police Scotland, alongside East Lothian Council staff, local councillors and community councillors, as well as representatives from local residents and business associations.

Various steps are being taken to address the problem, with an increase in police officers and community wardens being deployed to hotspot areas at peak times and the installation of more CCTV cameras in the town centre among the tactics.