Knife Crime Is Down – But We’ve Still Got A Lot To Do To Beat Blade Culture

Crime is an issue that concerns many people of all ages in Renfrewshire.   As such, I’m sure that many of you were delighted to hear that knife attacks are falling.  

In 2004/05 blades were responsible for half of all homicides. In 2005/06 this figure dropped to a third.  Falling knife crime has led to fewer murders. 134 people were murdered in 2004/05 compared to 93 last year. 

The Labour-led Scottish Executive has clamped down on knife crime, removing more than 12 5000 weapons from our streets during the summer’s knife amnesty.   

However, more has to be done.             

 The Executive is trying to further reduce blade attacks with a high profile advertising campaign.     

The £580 000 “Knives – Let’s Not Scar Another Generation” initiative urges those who carry offensive weapons to change their ways.  A series of roadshows and advertisements on TV, radio, buses and billboards will get the message across.  The campaign follows the recent introduction of legislation that will: 

 ·        Double the maximum penalty for carrying a knife or potentially deadly weapons in public from 2 to 4 years

·        Give police greater powers to search those suspected of carrying knives·        Increase the minimum purchase age for non-domestic knives from 16 to 18 These measures will reduce knife crime in Renfrewshire and make our communities safer.  PLANNING REFORM In addition to crime, new legislation will also have a positive impact on town planning.  Renfrewshire residents will soon have a greater say in shaping their communities. The new Bill: ·        Devolving decision making and appeals to local level in certain cases ·        Introducing new measures for the quick and reliable processing of major developments ·        Ensuring development plans have to be updated at least once every 5 years ·        Introducing a range of measures to promote opportunities for communities to participate in development planning·        Ensuring that planning authorities can deal effectively with breaches of planning control This new legislation will make the planning process far more democratic.   LOTTERY BOOST FOR LINWOOD SKATEPARK I was delighted to hear that the Linwood Skateboard Park has been awarded a grant by the Fair Share Trust.  Over £115 000 of lottery money will be used to upgrade the leisure facility.  The cash boost will lead to a number of improvements, including:  ·        The provision of separate skills areas to accommodate high and low speed skaters ·        A “bowled” arena for beginners and less experienced skateboarders·        A flat concrete surface for developing skills ·        A hi-tech security system, lighting and CCTV to deter vandalism and anti-social behaviour at the site  These new features will allow local skateboarders of all ages and abilities to hone their skills in a safe environment with first-rate facilities. They will also deter youngsters in Linwood from putting themselves at risk by skating on the roof of the run-down Shopping Centre.        DIAGEO VISIT I recently had the pleasure of touring the Diageo drinks plant in Renfrew. Hardworking staff at the Blythswood facility are preparing for a record-breaking festive season. Production is up 10% on last year’s figures, with the plant handling 16 000 cases of whisky per week.  Having a global brand with operations in Renfrew puts the town on the map as a great place to do business.