Anti-social behaviour is an issue that concerns many people in Renfrewshire.  I’ve recently attended a number of public meetings the police have held on the issue across the region. 

 The Labour-led Scottish Executive is taking serious steps to reduce anti-social behaviour in our communities.     

  

Anti-social behaviour measures brought into force two years ago are starting to deliver real improvements throughout Renfrewshire and the rest of the country. 

Increasingly, key measures within the Act, like ASBOS and closure orders, are being used with greater regularity.  Over the two years since the legislation was passed: 

• 12 dispersal orders have been used to force intimidating groups, often of young people, to disband

• 21 neighbourhoods have seen some respite from the anti-social actions of individuals and families thanks to closure orders

• Almost 2000 neighbours have got a bit of much-needed peace thanks to warnings issued
• 170 ‘boy-racers’ have had their vehicles seized and over 1900 have been warned about their actions.

These powers have been complemented by increasing numbers of police. There are now more than 1500 more policeman on Scotland’s streets than there were at the beginning of devolution.  

This increased police presence is acting as a deterrent against anti-social behaviour.     

The introduction of neighbourhood wardens has also helped.  Wardens have been particularly successful in Renfrewshire. 

The Ferguslie wardens recently scooped a prestigious prize for going above and beyond the call of duty when tackling anti-social behaviour.   But there is more to do to combat the problem.  

I want to see fixed penalty notices for £50 fines – rather like parking tickets – issued by the police to those causing vandalism and graffiti. We also need to do more to tackle underage drinking, including prison sentences for those who knowingly and repeatedly sell alcohol to underage young people.          

HEALTHY FIGURES   

Like crime, health is never far from the top of the political agenda. Tackling Coronary Heart Disease and strokes are a top priority. Buddies now have access to a rapid access chest pain clinic and a dedicated stroke unit. Progress is being made in tackling these killer diseases. 

 In just one year deaths from Coronary Heart Disease have fallen by more than 5%. The target is to halve premature stroke deaths and cut premature heart deaths by nearly two thirds. But as the festive season approaches, we need to remember the best improvements will come from more people altering their lifestyles – in terms of exercise, diet and stopping smoking – to protect their health.