 The
attack by an SNP "list" MSP on plans for community warden schemes in North
Ayrshire to support the local police have been ridiculed this week by both
local and national Labour politicians.
Cunninghame North MSP, Allan Wilson, praised the North Ayrshire initiative
and accused the West of Scotland "list" MSP, Campbell Martin, of being "an
apologist for neds and vandals." Mr Martin last week described the scheme as
"policing on the cheap" and claimed that youth crime was due to "Unionist
policies that have created a society where many young people feel excluded."
Mr Wilson told the Herald: "Even by Mr Martin's standards, this is dire
stuff. I know through my own discussions with community representatives and
residents of the Three Towns that community wardens will be welcomed with
open arms. Local people will give them their full co-operation".
"I also know that the local police welcome their introduction as they
complement their community policing in residential areas. Police numbers in
Strathclyde are at record levels and there is no question of them being
'replaced' as Mr Martin alleges - quite the contrary".
"Youth unemployment is at its lowest for a generation and we have the
highest rate in Europe of participation in post-school education.
Attributing all forms of anti-social behaviour to poverty and lack of hope
is simply another way of acting as an apologist for neds and vandals."
He was supported by the Communities Minister in the Scottish Executive,
Margaret Curran, who recently visited Ardrossan. She said this week: "I am
astonished by Mr Martin's comments. Community wardens are there to support
police and not replace them".
"They are a valuable addition to police resources and can provide expert
assistance as witnesses where individuals and whole communities are too
intimated and afraid of reprisals to give evidence against thugs and
criminals in their locality. Is Mr Martin really against this"?
"When I spoke to the police in North Ayrshire they welcomed the initiative.
My department will therefore continue working with the local authority and
police, through the community planning process, to extend the community
warden scheme in North Ayrshire."
She noted that Mr Martin's attack on community wardens was not reflected in
SNP policy at national level.
Cunninghame North MP, Brian Wilson, said that Mr Martin's outburst against
community wardens confirmed his view of "list" MSPs as "a waste of space".
He added: "This is a local authority matter and has absolutely nothing to do
with a list MSP. Mr Martin is paid from public funds to do nothing more or
less than issue wild press releases on whatever subject takes his fancy".
"While Mr Martin is drivelling on about Unionist politicians, the elected
representatives of Cunninghame North all support the community warden scheme
and will work with North Ayrshire Council and the police to make it a
success in the interests of our constituents." |
