This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Standing up to antisocial behaviour
21/09/2006
Community wardens, residents, teachers and young people from across Scotland are to be honoured for standing up to antisocial behaviour.
From more than 100 entries, a total of sixteen groups or individuals have been short-listed for the Standing Up to Antisocial Behaviour Awards, organised by the Scottish Executive and sponsored by the Co-op.
The awards, now in their second year, aim to recognise the drive, courage and commitment of those who have helped challenge the behaviour of others to the benefit of their neighbourhoods.
The finalists are due to attend an awards ceremony, hosted by Deputy Justice Minister Hugh Henry and attended by Justice Minister Cathy Jamieson at Edinburgh Castle on October 25.
They are:
ABOVE AND BEYOND CATEGORY
- Abbeyview Junior Wardens Scheme, Dunfermline, Fife
- Elaine Webster, Headteacher, Auchenlodment Primary School, Johnstone, Renfrewshire
- Renfrewshire Neighbourhood Wardens
- Kirkcaldy High School, Fife
LOCAL GROUP AND PROJECT CATEGORY
- Association of the Residents of Cliffburn & Hayshead, Arbroath, Angus
- Dochcarty Residents Association, Dingwall, Highlands
- Generation Youth, North Lanarkshire
- Upper Nithsdale Youthwork Forum, Sanquhar, Dumfries and Galloway
INDIVIDUALS CATEGORY
- Betty Watson, Edinburgh
- Elma Mitchell, Tillicoultry, Clackmannanshire
- Lorna Arthur, Edinburgh
- Morag Buck, Alva, Clackmannanshire
YOUNG PEOPLE CATEGORY
- Tranent Football Project, East Lothian
- Tullibody Junior Challenge Group, Clackmannanshire
- Tullos Primary Eco-Council, Aberdeen
- Zone 98, Tarves, Aberdeenshire
Speaking as the shortlist was confirmed, Mr Henry said:
"The decent, hard-working people of Scotland should not have to tolerate the sort of selfish, unruly behaviour that blights their quality of life and undermines respect within our communities.
"Nearly two years after our new antisocial behaviour laws came into force, councils and police have a much clearer picture of local problems. And increasingly we are seeing the new powers, backed by significant resources, being used to bring relief to hard-pressed communities.
"Of course, the demand for action on antisocial behaviour came from Scotland's communities and ultimately the success of that action has required the support of those living and working in those communities.
"That's why I'm delighted that we are recognising their efforts at next month's event. The actions of these people, and the many others who were nominated, are making a big difference to their areas - restoring a culture of respect and building safer, stronger communities."
Martin Beaumont, Group Chief Executive of the Co-operative Group said:
"As Scotland's leading convenience retailer, operating in the heart of communities across the country, the Co-op is delighted to be supporting the Standing Up to Antisocial Behaviour Awards Scheme.
"Antisocial behaviour affects many communities but all the nominees are working hard to make a difference and tackle the problems.
"The awards are intended to recognise and support their efforts and courage in addressing these issues and we fully support each finalist and, of course, the many other nominees."
The Standing Up to Antisocial Behaviour Awards Scheme 2006, launched by Justice Minister Cathy Jamieson on April 24, has been organised by the Scottish Executive in partnership with the Co-op.
There are four categories of awards: individuals; local groups or projects; young people (individuals or groups under 18); and 'above and beyond', where officials such as community wardens, local housing staff or a school, for example, have gone above and beyond the call of duty to tackle antisocial behaviour.
With the exception of the Young People category, the short-listed entries were selected by a judging panel comprising representatives of the Scottish Executive's Safer Communities Division, the Co-operative Group, the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities, Auchenback Residents Association, Sighthill Library (previous winner), Antisocial Behaviour Officers Forum and Victim Support Scotland. The Young People category has been adjudicated by Members of the Scottish Youth Parliament, Youth Co-operative Member's Network and previous award-winners.
Award winners will receive up to £5,000 to spend on an activity to stop antisocial behaviour in their area.
The 16 short-listed groups and individuals have been invited to attend the Standing Up to Antisocial Behaviour Awards ceremony at the Great Hall, Edinburgh Castle in the early evening of Wednesday October 25th. The overall winner and three runners-up for each of the four categories, all of whom will receive an award, will be announced at the event.