Wendy Alexander has welcomed an unprecedented funding investment by the Scottish Executive to tackle anti-social behaviour in Renfrewshire.

Justice Minister Cathy Jamieson has announced today that more than £33 million will been shared among Scotland’s 32 local community planning partnerships to tackle anti-social behaviour next year. 

The minister made the announcement to the Community Wardens Conference in Dunblane during a speech in which she praised the country’s 550 wardens for the contribution they make in creating safer, stronger communities by ‘reclaiming the streets’. 

The money will allow Renfrewshire Council to target resources at specific problems in communities, which could include employing more community wardens, setting up youth projects to keep young people off the streets.

Ms Alexander said: “Today’s announcement is a huge boost in the fight against anti-social behaviour in Renfrewshire’s communities.  

“The Labour-led Scottish Executive has been totally committed to tackling anti-social behaviour in our communities.

“The police and local authorities have already been given the powers they need to ensure anti-social behaviour does not blight the lives of local residents.

“This commitment has now been backed by unprecedented funding to fight antisocial behaviour. 

“Potentially this investment could be used to pay for more community wardens, expanding anti-social behaviour teams, or mediation and further support for victims and witnesses.”