The misery that anti-social neighbours can cause prompted the Council to set up the CRU to tackle nuisance neighbours in the owner occupied and privately, rented sector.

The unit’s investigators work at the sharp end of anti-social behaviour tackling problems like the impact of drug and alcohol use, youth disorder, harassment and assault as well as environmental issues like graffiti and littering.

The team also supports citywide anti-social behaviour initiatives and offers guidance and advice to Registered Social Landlords across Glasgow. 

The positive impact the Unit is making, after a year of operation, was recognised recently at the Council’s Flourish Awards recognising good practise and achievement across services.

In its first year the CRU handled more than 615 complaints about anti-social behaviour from the public - the majority of which were successfully resolved. Less than half (294) required further investigation and, of those, the unit reported a 81.32 % success rate. A follow up survey of service users reported a 96% satisfaction rate.

Johann Watson, the CRU’s Principal Officer said: “We have dealt with a significant number of cases and, through early intervention, we have tackled problems of nuisance neighbours, noise and some unusual cases as well. 

“We have not shied away from using new powers granted to us by the Anti-Social Behaviour Act. We assisted Strathclyde Police in obtaining a Closure Order against an owner-occupier, whose house was a focus for serious and persistent disorder.

“We are here to help and I would encourage anyone who is suffering from anti-social behaviour to contact us, so we can provide the kind of help and support that can effectively tackle the problem.

“Our message is clear. People no longer have to suffer in silence. I am proud to say we are making a real difference in communities across the city.”

The CRU offers a range of services to try and resolve neighbour disputes, including mediation, which allows both parties the opportunity to talk through their problems.

For more serious issues Community Relations Investigators are assigned and they can recommend remedial action, including legal action when necessary - handled by the Unit’s dedicated legal team.

Ms Watson added: “Legal action is always a last resort. We have developed a multi-agency approach to tackle anti-social behaviour in the community.  This means that we will work with the police, Reporter to the Children’s Panel, social work and other agencies to ensure that appropriate support is put in place to assist individuals and families.