Working together is the key to defeating crime and anti-social behaviour, Ardenglen Housing Association said this week as the organisation revealed it was stepping up its already close working relationship with local police in Glasgow’s Castlemilk.

The move follows a shocking crime in the summer when a murder took place in the Castlemilk community prompting widespread concern from local families.

Many contacted the housing association looking to it for leadership in making the local area as crime-free as possible.

Ardenglen set about reassuring its tenants that it stands firmly on the side of safety and would “do everything it could” to ensure people – especially those with children – felt secure.

Police Scotland still has an incident caravan located in the community as the investigation continues. Police have named an individual they want to trace in connection with the murder.

Now Ardenglen is stepping up its ongoing contact with police as a direct response to local concern starting with more regular meetings between housing staff and local police.

Ardenglen chief executive, Audrey Simpson, welcomed local Area Commander Chief Inspector Ross Allan to its offices to discuss closer co-operation.

Audrey said: “Recent events in Castlemilk have understandably caused widespread concern in our community. Many people have looked to the housing association for leadership in bringing about community cohesion and promoting safe communities.

“Like all housing associations we place great emphasis on creating safe places in which people can live and our relationship with local police has always been strong.

“What we are doing now is endeavouring to work even more closer together and will explore new ways of ensuring that the public, and our tenants in particular, feel their safety is of the utmost importance.

“Castlemilk is a vibrant, thriving community where many people have lived all their lives. We are determined to keep it safe and do whatever it takes to bring that about.”

Chief Inspector Ross Allan said: “I was appalled at the acts of violence which led to the murder of a young man.

“Police Scotland and the Castlemilk community condemn these acts of violence.

“Police Scotland is committed to keeping people safe and we have worked very closely with our partners to try bring a sense of normality back to the community.

“We have introduced high visibility patrols in the area, to reassure the public, to deter any potential acts of violence and disorder, and to disrupt individuals, who have sought to destabilise the community with acts of violence.

“This community and our partner agencies which include Ardenglen Housing Association have worked extremely hard over a long period of time, and have gone a long way to moving on from the area’s past reputation.”