Multi-agency approach to tackle antisocial behaviour

The Haddington town centre Problem Solving Partnership (PSP) continues to meet on a regular basis.

The PSP brings together officers from Police Scotland, East Lothian Council, Haddington and Lammermuir Ward Councillors, Haddington Community Council and representatives from local residents and business associations.

Measures taken to date include; an increase in the number of Police Officers and Community Wardens being deployed to the area at peak times, improvements carried out to the physical environment at Ross’s Close and the installation of 2 portable CCTV cameras within the town centre.

The Council’s Neighbourhood Outreach Workers are continuing to engage and build relationships with local young people on a Friday and Saturday evening in an effort to reduce transmission of the virus. Outreach workers provide advice on keeping safe during COVID19, personal safety, drugs and alcohol, antisocial behaviour and the need to respect the local community and physical environment.

There are plans to re-introduce the free football coaching sessions on Saturday evenings at Whittinghame Drive as soon as the easing of the Scottish Government restrictions permit; the sessions delivered pre-Christmas were attracting up to 60 participants.   

The local Area Partnership’s sub group, the Children and Youth Network is due to reconvene at the end of March with the purpose of developing closer partnership working and discussing how best to engage with children and young people. The meeting will act as a starting point to begin discussions and hopefully lead to the planning of future youth and children’s activities as the restrictions ease.

Kenneth Black, East Lothian Council’s Safer Communities Team Manager, and Chair of the PSP said: “Antisocial behaviour has to be addressed from a number of different angles and the PSP is seeking to do that by the taking of preventative, diversionary and enforcement steps when necessary. Local Elected Members, alongside local resident and business representatives, are instrumental to the decision making process of the PSP, and it’s hoped that this joined up approach will deliver long-term solutions to the problems that are being reported”.

Chief Inspector Neil Mitchell, Local Area Commander for East Lothian said:  “We will not tolerate anti-social behaviour in any form and through the PSP we can direct all our resources to tackling the issues, not just as a quick fix but with a view of finding longer term sustainable solutions.  Taking this multi-agency approach ensures we get the right response to each incident and work collectively to making the area a safe place for all”.

Antisocial Behaviour can be reported to East Lothian Council via the Antisocial Behaviour Helpline on 01875 824 307, by e-mailing asb@eastlothian.gov.uk or on-line at www.eastlothian.gov.uk. All calls are treated with the strictest confidence.  

Published: Friday, 26th March 2021