Partnership reconvenes to tackle ASB in Haddington town centre
A Problem Solving Partnership (PSP) has been re-convened to address antisocial behaviour occurring within Haddington town centre.
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.
The objective of the multi-agency PSP is to design and implement a strategy to tackle antisocial behaviour in the area.
We will ensure Haddington remains a safe place to live, work and visit
Chief Inspector Neil Mitchell
The PSP has been meeting since July 2020 and sits on a monthly basis.
Measures taken to date include - an increase in the number of Police Officers, Community Wardens and Youth Workers being deployed to the area at peak times, the installation of 2 mobile CCTV cameras and the taking of enforcement action against persistent offenders.
Joint Police / Council advisory letters are also being sent to parents whose children have been identified as being in areas associated with antisocial behaviour with plans being made to extend the provision of youth facilities in the area.
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 continue to take preventative measures to combat anti-social behaviour and have adopted a zero tolerance approach to those involved in disorder.
“This has included introducing increased patrols and utilising specialist national resources to supplement local officers. In addition to the work ongoing through the PSP, Operation Juneau, which targets substance misuse and its related disorder, has a significant footprint in the town.
“Collectively with our partners, and the assistance of the public, we will ensure Haddington remains a safe place to live, work and visit".
Antisocial Behaviour can be reported to East Lothian Council via the Antisocial Behaviour Helpline on 01875 824307, by e-mailing asb@eastlothian.gov.uk or on-line at www.eastlothian.gov.uk. All calls are treated with the strictest confidence.