TACKLING the issues in Govanhill will be one of the top priorities for Police Scotland's new top cop in Glasgow's South Side.

Chief Inspector Ross Allan has been named as the new area commander for Glasgow's South East.

He takes over from Chief Inspector Graham McInarlin, who previously worked closely with many community groups in Govanhill.

Chief Inspector Allan, however, plans to do the same and recognises the importance that Govanhill has within his area.

He said: "Govanhill is important and we have a new policing structure in the city of Glasgow known as the problem solving team.

"I am meeting with the problem solving team soon and my intention is to discuss not only Govanhill but all areas in the South East in order to engage with the community, elected members and housing associations."

In his previous role, Chief Inspector Allan was area commander for North Glasgow for around 10 months.

From targeting organised crime such as drug dealing to tackling to disorder, Chief Inspector Allan brings a plethora of experience which he believes will help him in his new role.

He said: "The community in the North of the city is very proactive. That has stood me in good stead for coming to South Side. I will bring that experience over here.

"My focus is keeping people safe. It is important that people feel safe in the community in all areas of the South Side.

"We also want to develop long term legacies going forward so that people can see an improvement in their community, and feel safe and see their quality of life improving. That’s the early focus."

With Hampden on the doorstep of his base at Cathcart Police Office, Chief Inspector Allan, who joined the force 24 years ago, will also be focused on policing for big events such as the Scotland v England game on June 10 and Stone Roses concert on June 24.

He said: "We have some big events coming up over the summer.

"We will work with the community and other agencies as we always do to ensure that these events are there to be enjoyed and the community feels part of that and can return to normal as soon as possible and get on with their lives."

For now, however, he will work on settling in to his new area by meeting as much of the community as possible.

He said: "I was working in the North of the city for the last 10 months, I enjoyed the experience there and now I am looking forward to a new challenge here in the South East of Glasgow."