Wendy Calls for Community Inspired ABSOs

Wendy Alexander MSP for Paisley North is calling on the Scottish Government to allow community groups such as Community Councils or Tenant & Residents organisations to apply for Anti-Social Behavior Orders. 
 
Under our plans, constituted community groups would be able to request that an Anti-Social Behaviour Order is used by applying to their local council or police force. The council or force would then either go forward with that request or would have to meet with the organisation and explain their reason for refusal and then set out an alternative approach. The community group could appeal a decision if they disagreed.
 
Wendy Alexander MSP said:
 
“We just cannot allow situations similar to what we have seen around the Clippens shops in recent months and elsewhere go on unchecked. “ 
 
“The police and local councils have to face the fact that often local people know best when it comes to anti-social behaviour. They live with its consequences and know that doing nothing is never the right option. Not one single ASBO has been promoted by the police or council to deal with the disorder at the Clippens shops, in Mill Place or in the West End of Paisley. It is time to give people the power to call for an ASBO. Through this new approach we hope that local people will know that their views count and they have a formal process to get action. ”
 
“As a last resort, anti-social behaviour orders are not just the right option but sometimes the only valid option to deal with anti-social behaviour and to provide safer communities.”
 
“Renfrewshire Council appears to be refusing to promote them – but we know that ASBO’s can and do work.”
 
“From closure orders on properties where noise and disturbance have made people’s lives hell to dealing with boy-racers and the danger and menace they cause. Often legal methods are the best way forward and local people have a right to be heard.” 
Local Linwood resident and Chairman of the Community Council, Iain Wilson said

“Serving as I do as secretary to both my Community Council and local Tenants’ and Residents’ Group I would wholeheartedly support a move in this direction.

Anti Social Behaviour is one of the most frequent issues raised in communities and any added vehicle for protecting the community from it would be most welcome.”