 Plans
to give the police the ‘power of dispersal’ have been approved by the
Scottish Parliament’s Communities Committee.
The proposals, which are a key element of the Anti-Social Behaviour Bill,
allow police to designate hotspots which groups could be ordered to leave if
their behaviour is thought likely to cause alarm.
Welcoming the Committee’s decision Environment Minister Allan Wilson MSP
said
“I am delighted that my Labour colleagues on the Communities Committee have
supported the introduction of a power of dispersal, despite opposition from
other parties. These powers would be available in areas designated by the
police where there is an identifiable problem with anti-social behaviour.”
“I know from discussions with constituents that there is a great deal of
support for these powers. The consultation I carried out last summer amongst
Residents Associations, Community Councils and Neighbourhood Watch
organisations in this constituency demonstrated that these new powers would
be welcomed by local people.” said Mr Wilson.
“There are many people, especially the elderly, who can be intimidated by
large groups. Already there are certain streets, parks and other areas where
people cannot go out and enjoy the benefits of that particular area. We
cannot continue to ignore that situation."
“I believe these powers will be a valuable tool in fighting anti-social
behaviour in residential areas and other public places and I will be giving
the Bill my full backing when it again comes before Parliament.”
The Minister for the Environment also criticised Regional ‘list’ MSP
Campbell Martin’s opposition to the new power.
"Last week Mr Martin issued a press release, calling for the closure of
paths and lanes that ‘have become a meeting point for trouble makers’ yet he
opposed this proposal at an earlier stage of its consideration in
Parliament. Perhaps now he has been suspended by the SNP he will support the
Labour Bill” said Mr Wilson.
Notes
• The plans to give the police the powers of dispersal was discussed in the
Communities Committee on 5 May.
• The Committee backed the proposals 5 votes to 4 with Tory, SNP and Green
members voting against. |
