TERRIFIED residents at a Johnstone block of flats are “living in fear” after a vicious stabbing took place.

There have been complaints the knife attack, which saw a 33-year-old man suffer wounds to his head and face, is just the latest in a string of incidents to take place in Graham Street.

Police have stepped up patrols in the area as some residents claim their lives are being made a misery by drug dealing and anti-social behaviour.

READ MORE: Man seriously injured in knife attack following 'disturbance'

One man, who asked not be named, told The Gazette: “Renfrewshire Council has demonstrated serious misjudgements in the choice of residents being placed here.

“This has resulted in repeated drugs raids, vandalism and anti-social behaviour.

“People here are living in fear. No-one should have to live in this kind of environment.”
Several police vehicles rushed to Graham Street on Friday night after the brutal stabbing.

That incident has led to local councillor Andy Doig urging the authorities to reconsider their approach to housing placements.

Councillor Doig, who represents Johnstone North, Kilbarchan, Howwood and Lochwinnoch, said: “My sympathies are with law-abiding residents as this is an awful and terrifying thing to have happened.

“I want the police to step up their activity in the town centre area at the weekends and for the council to review its approach to rehousing individuals who have a history of drug dealing.

“I really think that, if someone who applies for housing has multiple convictions for drug dealing, that application has to be handled in a different way.

“You have to prioritise the human rights of the other tenants who live by the rules.

“The decent people of Graham Street have had enough.”

The Gazette:

Footage shows the aftermatch of the incident on Friday night

A spokesman for Renfrewshire Council said partners within the local Community Safety Partnership are working closely together to address issues identified in the Graham Street area.

He added: “We, alongside Police Scotland, have increased patrols and placed extra attention on the area to identify and eradicate anti-social behaviour and we are working hard to ensure all residents feel safe within their homes.

“The council’s allocation policy in Renfrewshire is to provide access to housing for those most in need. All tenants are required to sign a tenancy agreement which sets out their obligations and includes a good neighbour agreement.

“Where residents fail to meet these requirements, we explore all possible measures, in conjunction with our community safety partners, to address this and take appropriate action where required.

“The safety of our residents is paramount and we would encourage residents to report any issues they are experiencing to their local housing office or Police Scotland or Crimestoppers in confidence.”

Police have appealed for information about last Friday’s stabbing.

Detective Sergeant Michael Lochrie said: “We are trying to establish exactly what happened prior to the assault and believe there may have been a disturbance in Graham Street just before emergency services arrived.

“I’m keen to speak to anyone who was in the area and witnessed any kind of disturbance or unusual activity, as they may be able to provide information that could assist us in tracing the person or persons responsible.”

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Anyone who has information about the stabbing is asked to call the police on 101 or Crimestoppers, where anonymity can be maintained, on 0800 555 111.