Banned youths help Edinburgh library plans

A gang of children who were banned from an Edinburgh library over their anti-social behaviour are now being consulted on its renovation works.

The police were called out dozens of times between last November and March after the group caused havoc at Muirhouse library.

The group of eight to 16-year-olds were using the library as a "hangout" base where they would run about shouting.

Now they have stopped their anti-social behaviour and are helping the library.

Lothian and Borders Police have hailed a new initiative with Edinburgh City Council for the turn-around in the gang's behaviour.

They have gone from being called out to Muirhouse library a dozen times a month between November and March to no call outs in April or May.

The police visited the youth's schools and their parents in a bid to stop the problem.

They then invited the children to the library after a two-week ban to show them plans and ask for their input on renovation works.

Pc Steve Bisset, a community beat officer who covers Muirhouse, told the BBC Scotland news website: "They were surprised that we were aware of their anti-social behaviour when we turned up at their school.

"I am pleased that this has been a success and that they listened to us as we are no longer getting complaints."

About 12 children were causing trouble in the library in groups of three to six at a time.