A fire chief has been quizzed over the high number of deliberate fires being set in Ayr West and Troon.

South Ayrshire Council’s Service and Partnerships Performance Panel heard that Troon ward had the highest number of both deliberate fires and accidental house fires in the second quarter of this year.

“What I can say is that deliberate fire setting and anti-social behaviour are linked to young people.”

Area Commander Ian McMeekin, of Scottish Fire and Rescue, said: “A couple of wards have increased compared to others, but the numbers are still quite low.

He explained that there were a number of efforts made to engage and educate young people, such as the safer shores initiative, which includes work around fire setting as well as water safety.

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