Edinburgh youth worker warns of warring teenage factions targeting innocent victims

A worried youth worker has called for peace on the Capital’s streets as warring teenage factions clash violently, often targeting innocent victims.

John Beatson, programme manager at Goodtrees Neighbourhood Centre (GNC), has been campaigning for more resources and linked up services in the area to combat the problem.

Following a recent attack on a teenager who uses GNC, he said the “desert of services” for local youths was sparking violent scenes.

Mr Beatson fears the situation will not improve and has appealed for wider help and funding to tackle the problem.

He said: “The violence has to end, and in order for that to happen, we need an opportunity for services to come together to tackle territorialism in the area.

“It is getting worse and we cannot do this on our own. We need investment from the Scottish Government and local authority in order to give us a fighting chance with providing resources.

“It is a desert of services and we feel like we have been abandoned after raising this issue only last year. Again it seems like we are only being offered lip service with no action.”

The victim who sparked the call last year publicly demanded more community services to tackle rivalry between young gangs in the south of the city.

Tensions between youths in Gilmerton and Moredun – heightened by the lack of community facilities and support – have escalated into brutal encounters.

The victim, who the Evening News is not naming, suffered severe bruising to his body and face which led to doctors conducting a CT scan to ensure there was not any internal brain injuries.

In the days since there have been retaliation incidents  involving attacks on homes as well as threats of knife violence.

The attack led to several linked incidents as locals sought retribution, with images of knives shared on social media platforms along with chilling threats such as “this is for you”.

Just last year the victim had told a council “Youth Talk” consultation that territorial violence was the greatest concern for young people in the area.

GNC are trying to bring both sides together and mediate what is a volatile situation and there is a worry that outside help will not arrive until someone loses their life.

Brandon Bonner, 13, a youth activist in the area, said: “I think it is disgusting. They were older and to have done that to a younger person is just inhumane. I one hundred per cent feel abandoned by the council and government as we have told them what is going on yet no help has arrived.

“I just want everyone to stick together and be a big team of pals. I hope we can overcome this violence and that the future looks more promising.”

Edinburgh South MP Ian Murray, said: “The local community and Goodtrees in particular have done so much to resolve the problems of anti-social behaviour but the council and other agencies must step up as they promised to do and respond positively to the young person consultation they conducted last year. These issues don’t just disappear, they need a concerted effort from everyone. Goodtrees and the wider local community deserve and need support.”

A spokesperson for Edinburgh City Council said: “Following last year’s Youth Talk event, action was taken to respond to feedback from young people, including increased engagement between colleagues in the police and schools in the area. A Youth Forum was also set up where young people could discuss the issues that are important to them. The physical meetings have been impacted by the ongoing pandemic but young people have continued to engage virtually and we remain dedicated to listening to the young people in the area.

“We want to see our community centres up and running again and I know people understand we have to make sure buildings are safe to do so.

“We’ve approved a process that will support management committees to gain access to centres to help access resources and provide essential services. We are also progressing work to re-establish community-based youth work outdoors.”