This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Call for greater use of ASB powers
05/05/2006
First Minister Jack McConnell today called on Scotland's communities to demand greater use of antisocial behaviour powers at a local level.
Mr McConnell told a conference in North Lanarkshire that the area had led the way on the use of antisocial behaviour powers and it was now time for others across Scotland to follow their lead.
He said communities must demand greater use of the powers available within their neighbourhoods if there is to be an end to violence and public disorder.
Mr McConnell said:
"People are now winning the battle to reclaim their streets - here in North Lanarkshire and elsewhere in the country. And we will not hold back until we win back respect to the heart of Scottish communities.
"We promised the people of Scotland there would be action. We meant it. And we have delivered this promise.
"Now, because of our actions - and your collective efforts - Scotland's communities have a real chance of winning the war against disorder and anti-social behaviour.
"But, we will only get there if local authorities and police forces around the country, listen to communities and use the powers that have been made available to them.
"When we took up the challenge to rid Scotland's communities of anti-social behaviour, we did so with the concerns of ordinary law-abiding people in mind. And, we know that people are being done a disservice if some partnerships are not using the powers that they now have.
"This is a situation that we cannot, and will not, accept.
"That's why we will be working hard to ensure that the people of Scotland get the right result - wherever they live. And I am encouraging local people to demand that these powers are used.
"The challenge is to keep going. To keep forging ahead - to use the powers, the money and the other resources that we've given you to create the strong, safe communities that we in government and the people of Scotland both want to see."
The "Building Better Neighbourhoods" Conference was held at Broadwood Stadium in Cumbernauld. It examined Antisocial Behaviour and North Lanarkshire's strategy for promoting community safety and tackling anti-social behaviour.
The Antisocial Behaviour (Scotland) Act 2004 was passed overwhelmingly by Scottish Parliament. The Bill was approved by Parliament in June 2004 and received royal assent on 26 July 2004.
£130m has been allocated nationally over 2004-2008 to tackle antisocial behaviour and promote community safety.
In 2004/05 alone there was a 60% increase in the number of Anti-social Behaviour Orders being used to stem the behaviour of a mindless few.
12 communities, the length and breadth of Scotland have been given immediate respite and relief with Closure Orders shutting down properties with a track record of intimidation, noise nuisance or disorder.
Just over a year ago, Scotland's first Dispersal Order came into force in Aberdeen's Beach Boulevard. These powers have been used in other hard pressed communities since then.
A dispersal order was put into force in an entire village in December 2005. The success of the Mid Calder dispersal led one resident to comment 'we've got our village back'.
1093 'boy racers' have now had their activities curtailed with the new Seizure of Vehicles power
There are now 550 community wardens on the streets across Scotland.
Local antisocial behaviour strategies have now been agreed by councils, Chief Constables and other agencies to ensure powers and resources are used effectively.
North Lanarkshire have been allocated £8.1m to tackle antisocial behaviour over the four year period, 2004-08. North Lanarkshire have been granted more Antisocial Behaviour Orders (ASBOs) than any other council in Scotland