A NEW anti-social behaviour plan has been approved by a Scottish council.

It will aim to protect local communities and run from 2024 until 2029, having been created by the council and Police Scotland. The plan puts a clear focus on the four pillars of responding to anti-social behaviour – prevention, intervention, enforcement and rehabilitation. 

Chair of the council’s housing and technical resources committee, councillor Davie McLachlan (Hamilton North and East) said: “The council and its community safety partners are committed to tackling anti-social behaviour.

“The strategy gives us all a clear focus for the next five years and was formed following consultation with a wide range of people, services and partners, as well as feedback from those with lived experience of anti-social behaviour.

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“I look forward to working with our services and partners to help spread the message that anti-social behaviour is unacceptable, and we will not tolerate it.”

Police Scotland Divisional Commander, Chief Superintendent Stevie Dolan, said: “Tackling anti-social behaviour in our local communities is a key priority and we work to ensure that people feel safe within our communities.

“We will continue to work closely with South Lanarkshire Council and other partners to deter and detect incidents of anti-social behaviour and promote positive behaviour.

“I would also ask the local community to assist in this partnership working by reporting any local incidents or concerns to either Police Scotland or the council.”

The strategy places an emphasis on embedding a person-centred approach and delivering trauma-informed practice as well as ensuring that victims of anti-social behaviour are supported by officers or specialist staff at Victim Support Scotland. 

The strategy intends to deliver on a range of outcomes including: 

  • People behave responsibility in their attitude towards alcohol and are educated in relation to the impact of drugs.
  • People behave responsibly in relation to fire safety.
  • Domestic noise has less impact on people’s lives.
  • Litter and household waste is reduced, improving the safety and attractiveness of communities.
  • People can live safely in communities, with levels of disorder reduced.
  • Services for people affected by anti-social behaviour are easily accessible.