A Moray marina has vowed to take legal action against youths causing trouble at the waterfront amid reports of boat owners being forced to flee after being subjected to verbal abuse.
The pontoons at Lossiemouth are popular in the summer with pleasure boats, but are also used by local youngsters as a way of jumping from the quayside into the sea.
However, the marina owners have now revealed that certain groups are causing trouble at the waterfront, following alleged incidents of verbal abuse and vandalism.
Concerns have also been raised about boulders being thrown into the water, which have raised fears they could be a safety risk to vessels or children paddling in the water.
Marina manager, Amanda Chisholm, said yesterday the firm would be reporting future incidents to the police.
She said: “There are particular groups of youths who seem to be at the forefront of the trouble causing breach of the peace, verbally abusing local residents, customers and marina staff when challenged.
“They are also damaging marina property, clambering onto equipment, vessels and pontoons and running up and down the ramps and leaving vast amounts of litter behind.
“The marina has lost business in the past because of the behaviour of some of the youngsters and, recently, customers have had to turn back and go home rather than work on their boat as they have felt intimidated.
“Local residents have also become distressed hearing the noise, swearing and seeing them clambering over private property and we are receiving numerous complaints on a daily basis.”
The marina, which is run by the Elgin and Lossiemouth Harbour Company, has stressed that the trouble is confined to a limited number of youngsters who go to the waterfront, and has taken pains to stress that others enjoy the area without causing any difficulties.
Staff have also been diverted from normal duties in recent days to clear plastic bottles and other rubbish which has been left by groups.
