Series of measures put in place to curb antisocial behaviour
The Haddington town centre Problem Solving Partnership (PSP) has been meeting since April 2022. It was revived with the objective of reducing the level of antisocial behaviour being perpetrated by a small minority of young people within the town. Since April the number of antisocial behaviour complaints received by Police Scotland and the council have reduced substantially.
The PSP brings together officers from Police Scotland, East Lothian Council, Haddington and Lammermuir Ward Councillors, Haddington Community Council, Haddington Rugby Club and representatives from local residents and business associations.
Measures taken to date include; an increase in the number of Community Wardens being deployed to the area at peak times, the deployment of targeted police resources and the installation of 2 portable CCTV cameras within the town centre.
The Council’s Youth Outreach Workers continue to engage and build relationships with local young people on a Friday and Saturday evening. Outreach workers provide advice on personal safety, drugs and alcohol, antisocial behaviour and the need to respect the local community and physical environment.
A suite of activities for young people within the town has been taking place over the summer months, details of which can be viewed here Haddington and Lammermuir Summer Activity Programme | East Lothian Council. In June, Police Scotland provided funding to East Lothian’s Connected Communities Team to run diversionary activities at Haddington Rugby Club on Friday afternoons. Discussions are also ongoing with a view to deploying the adapted “crib bus” operated by “Heavy Sound” to the town in the autumn.
The local Area Partnership’s sub group, the Children and Youth Network continues to meet with the purpose of developing closer partnership working and planning future youth and children’s activities.
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 early intervention, 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 continue to deliver long-term solutions to the problems that were being reported”.
Chief Inspector Jocelyn O’Connor, Local Area Commander said: “Tackling anti-social behaviour in our local communities is a key priority. The vast majority of our young people do not cause any trouble however there is a small minority who do. I would ask parents to assist us by taking an interest in where their children are, what they are doing, and who they are with.
“There is no doubt that without the partnership work and dedication of key agencies it is unlikely we would have seen a reduction in anti-social behaviour.
"I would also like to thank the local community for their support and urge them to help us build on the success of the partnership by continuing to report any relevant information to Police Scotland on 101.”
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.