Labour raises concerns over anti-social behaviour

Labour's Justice team from the Scottish Parliament James Kelly MSP and Richard Baker MSP were in Dundee today listening to concerns about anti-social behaviour. Clearly our policy should put communities first, there should be no tolerance of poor behaviour in our communities.

After a very interesting meeting, a large group of us went out campaigning in Dundee getting more signatures for our 'More Nats, Fewer Nurses' campaign.

Labour's concerns about the situation in Dundee and the failure to use the measures available to deal with anti-social behaviour. I will be seeking a briefing from council officers on how anti-social behaviour is being dealt with.

The picture show James Kelly MSP, Richard Baker MSP, Marlyn Glen MSP and myself.

LABOUR CALL FOR ACTION ON ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR IN DUNDEE



- PARTY VISITS DUNDEE TO LISTEN TO RESIDENTS
- ALMOST 2,000 COMPLAINTS, BUT ONLY 12 ASBOS

- COMPLAINTS SOAR BY A THIRD AS ASBOS DROP BY 60 PER CENT


Scottish Labour today highlighted its concerns about anti-social behaviour in Dundee after it revealed new figures that showed that despite nearly 2,000 complaints of anti-social behaviour in the city last year only 12 Anti-Social Behaviour Orders (ASBOs) have been implemented.


The figures came from a Freedom of Information Request which showed that there were 1,868 complaints in Dundee a 29 per cent increase since 2007/2008.



Scottish Labour is visiting Dundee to highlight the problems and to talk to communities affected by anti-social behaviour.



The Party’s Shadow Community Safety Minister James Kelly and Justice spokesman Richard Baker are visiting Dundee along with North East Regional list MSP Marlyn Glen.



Labour have been pressing for a change in the law that would allow organisations such as community councils and tenants and residents groups to be able to push for anti-social behaviour orders through the courts if local people thought it would help.



This is the third event in Labour's tour of cities blighted by anti-social behaviour, having visited Edinburgh and Aberdeen last week. The party will also be in Glasgow tomorrow to meet with local residents.



James Kelly MSP said:



“What is clear is that too many people in Dundee are being left to suffer anti-social behaviour and it’s time that more was done to tackle those who make other people’s lives a misery.


“In Dundee we see almost 2,000 complaints but only 12 orders against those who are blighting communities.



“Complaints have soared by a third but the number of ASBOs awarded has fallen by two thirds.



“The message from the SNP on anti-social behaviour is ‘you’re on your own.’



“Labour is coming to Dundee today to listen to local people and find out what they want to see happening and we hope that our plans to see local community groups given more powers to seek ASBO against those who are harming communities will be something for communities to consider.



“Labour will be visiting other cities in Scotland but it is clear that Dundee is failing its law abiding citizens and not delivering the relief from thuggish behaviour that they deserve.”