Clippens Linwood – Antisocial Behaviour Trouble

Following the complaints from local residents (also see also related web article PDE column 22/03/10) regarding unacceptable youth gang anti social behaviour, attacks and intimidation for over a year – and a petition gathered by local residents with over 300 signatures – Wendy organised for a senior police officer, Chief Inspector to visit the site to see for himself and to meet with those most affected. Despite a very cold wet night, and unfortunately only short notice being given, word quickly spread and over 30 residents came along.

Wendy said

“A very useful meeting. Lots of people turned out to demand action on a terrible night. Senior policeman Chief Inspector Stewart Rorrison and Sergeant George High could not miss the depth of community frustration. There were lots of practical ideas, including the school Campus Cops around the shops at lunchtime, cleaning up nearby voids where gangs congregate, reducing the many exits to the shopping area. But above all the police must use the full powers given to them in the Anti Social Behaviour Act. Renfrewshire police in 5 years have never once applied for a dispersal order which uses the law to ban youths gathering and causing intimidation in one spot for months at a time. The council refuse to consider ASBOs for young people until they have gone through a year long process including an Acceptable Behaviour Contract – meantime one or two gang leaders can terrorise a community for a year and encourage bad habits in others. The children’s panel and Procurator Fiscal have a responsibility to our communities and to young people that decisive action is required not endless prevarication. Congratulations to Joanne Graham for organising a petition from over 300 local people – it should serve to galvanise the police, council, wardens and PF to work together to tackle the misery this community is enduring.”