Alan McDonald, of Govanhill Housing Association in Glasgow, explains why two officers were hired to patrol the streets at weekends.

We were trying to target concerns about vandalism, graffiti and youth disorder.

Alan McDonald said hiring police officers worked for Govanhill

They were affecting our budgets - residents said we could fix vandalism but wanted to know how we could stop it happening in the first place.

We looked at the situation and brought police into the hotspots - a bad couple of streets, common closes and back courts.

This was about deterring certain behaviour and providing reassurance to tenants.

The pilot began before the school summer holidays, we identified reports of disorder and crime and policing was deployed.

It is our job to protect property and ensure tenants feel safe.

I believe �8,000 is a very small amount of money to improve the community and prevent vandalism. It does work.

We live in the real world, there was a need and we wanted to ensure tenants were protected.

Two police officers were drafted in to deter troublemakers

You need to look at the profile of crime across Scotland.

Loitering in a close is not as high a priority as serious crime. By the time police turn up they've gone.

Bobbies on the beat are what is required.

This is a partnership approach, it has led to an acceptable behaviour contract and preventative measures.

It was very well received by residents, more than 90% of those who responded said it should be made permanent.

I think that is a thumbs-up.

The scheme was run as a pilot and it is being reviewed. We now need to look at how best to go forward.