This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Executive begins work with visit to Easterhouse
22/05/2003
The new Executive's commitment to implementing tough
measures to remove the blight of crime form Scotland's
streets was demonstrated by a visit to Easterhouse
today.
First Minister Jack McConnell was joined by newly
appointed Justice Minister Cathy Jamieson and Communities
Minister Margaret Curran to see at first hand the extent of
vandalism and graffiti in the area and listened to the
views of local residents, including the local Elderly
Forum.
They accompanied the community policeman on a tour of
the area around Mossvale Road.
Mr McConnell said:
"No street in Scotland should be a no-go zone for any
citizen, young or old.
"Wherever I go in Scotland, people tell me that one of
their biggest concerns is the level of crime in their
areas. Whether it is graffiti, vandalised bus shelters,
damaged cars or verbal and physical attacks, people in
Scotland are sick and tired of seeing their communities and
local businesses dragged down.
"Government needs to be on side of ordinary decent
families. That is why I have made it a priority to remove
this blight. I have listened to those who have told me
about the effect that crime has on their quality of life
and the prosperity of their local communities, like the
senior citizens here in Easterhouse. Delivering a new
Anti-Social Behaviour Bill will be one of the new
Executive's highest priorities."
Cathy Jamieson said:
"Tackling youth crime and anti-social behaviour needs
tough action, not just tough talking.
"In the first term of the Scottish Parliament we made
good progress with record police numbers and our Youth
Crime Action Plan. But there is much more to do and we
share people's impatience for further change.
"So we will move quickly to crack down on anti-social
behaviour, speed up the courts, give more power to police
officers and put the interests of the victim first, so all
our communities can live in peace and safety.
"By following the plan of action outlined in the
Partnership Agreement, by focussing on the issues which
matter to people and by continuing to listen to the decent
law-abiding majority of Scots, young and old, we can make
real improvements to the quality of all our lives."
Margaret Curran, who has responsibility for tackling
anti-social behaviour, said:
"Anti social behaviour blights people's lives. It can
hold back regeneration and create an atmosphere where more
serious crime, such as drug dealing and violence can
flourish.
"We are determined to take a stand against the minority
of Scots who indulge in this kind of behaviour. We want to
build, safer, stronger communities where anti-social
behaviour is not tolerated, and the perpetrators are held
accountable for their actions."