A Dumbarton McDonald’s branch has been playing classical music to tackle the anti-social behaviour of youths in their restaurant.

But the St James Retail Park fast-food restaurant is still being blighted by anti-social behavour 12 months into the musical tactic.

In response, police have now deployed a dedicated team to cover the retail park area.

The calming tones of classical composers’ pieces are being used to help combat the disorder made by groups of rowdy teens at the store.

Dumbarton and Vale of Leven Reporter: Come and Sing - J S Bach St John Passion

It was hoped hits from the likes of Bach (pictured) would deter anti-social youths

Currently played at evenings and weekends, the unusual tactic is said to be in aid of encouraging “more acceptable behaviour”.

A McDonald's spokesperson said: "The safety of our customers and crew is of paramount importance to us.

"We have taken a number of measures to combat this including switching off our in-restaurant wi-fi, blocking off charge points and playing classical music in the evenings at weekends.

"With the continued help of all agencies and an increased police presence in the retail park, we are confident that we will see a decrease in anti-social behaviour."

The McDonald’s spokesperson told the Reporter that their Dumbarton restaurant have been playing classical music in the evenings for around 12 months.

The chain say they have seen its positive effects in their Shepherd’s Bush branch in London, with franchisee Atul Pathak claiming they thought playing classical music at certain times of the day would help “set a different and calmer tone”, and that it had “worked really well”.

They added: "We have tested the effects of classical music in the past and played it in some of our restaurants as it encourages more acceptable behaviour.

“Typically, classical music would be played from early evening onwards, and in some cases, on certain nights in a small number of restaurants.

“This is a practice that has been going on in our restaurants for many years.”

As previously revealed by the Reporter, eight teenagers were arrested after an incident at Dumbarton Central rail station leading to the alleged assault of three British Transport Police at Dumbarton Central Station on April 11.

Public figures expressed their concerns on the wider issue of youth crime in the area, with MSP Jackie Baillie calling for a “zero-tolerance” approach.

She also stated that a meeting had taken place with retailers at St James Retail Park to respond to their concerns.

Police Scotland say three juveniles were also recently tagged after offending mainly around the St James Retail Park and general Dumbarton area.

Inspector Roddy MacNeill, of Dumbarton police, added: “I have a dedicated team now covering the Balloch and St James areas who are also utilising the trains and liaising with BTP.

“Police activity will remain high until the situation is resolved.”