A councillor is urging youths to "take pride" in their community after several teens were recently charged following incidents of anti-social behaviour. 

Iain McMillan, Scottish Labour councillor, has spoken out after Cochrane Castle Golf Course has been vandalised and damaged over the past few weekends.

The councillor for Johnstone South and Elderslie has said that in the last year, actions have taken a "sinister" turn.

He said: "It seems to have taken a sinister turn in the last wee while with the drinking and causing damage in the area.

"The people at the golf course spend a lot of money on membership fees and use it as a pastime.

"It must be really frustrating that some of their budget has to go to repairing holes and fixing the greens.

"It is not on."

Cllr McMillan has said that those causing the damage need to think about the bigger picture and how it affects their community.

He said: "Cochrane Castle does a lot for young people in the area such as hosting golf lessons and going around schools.

"The building is well used for many events such as funerals, weddings and engagement parties.

"It is a big part of the community in Johnstone, so, take some pride and have some respect for yourself for when you get older."

It comes after we previously reported a police probe had been launched.

Local officers had said that they "noted an increase in incidents" at Cochrane Castle Golf Course recently.

READ MORE: Incidents at Johnstone golf course result in police probe

Speaking about the incidents at the time, Sergeant Kevin McGee said: "We appreciate that it is a small minority of youths who engage in anti-social behaviour but anyone who does so will be dealt with robustly.

"I would like to remind parents and carers that they too can play a part in keeping our community safe, by asking their children where they are going and what they are doing, discouraging them from taking part in any anti-social behaviour.

"An action plan is in place with dedicated patrols in the area to offer reassurance to the public and identify anyone involved in anti-social behaviour."