Press Release
30th October 2003

Landmark Bill Reflects Scotland’s Decent, Hardworking Communities – McNeil
The newly published Antisocial Behaviour etc. (Scotland) Bill shows that the voice of Scotland’s decent, hardworking communities has been heard, says MSP for Greenock and Inverclyde, Duncan McNeil.

He says the Bill reflects the will of the vast majority of his constituents who contributed to the unprecedented public consultation on the issue.

And, speaking after unveiling the new measures, Communities Minister, Margaret Curran, congratulated the Greenock Telegraph for helping its readers have their say and shape the Bill.

Mr McNeil said today that campaigns such as those run in Inverclyde throughout the consultation had made sure that “Scotland’s decent, hardworking communities had their voices heard.”

He continued:

“As part of our submission to the consultation, we asked the people of Greenock and Inverclyde what they wanted to see in the Bill.

“96% told us they wanted to see those who damage their communities forced to make amends.  It’s in the Bill.  95% wanted on-the-spot fines for antisocial behaviour.  It’s in the Bill.  95% said the police should have more powers to tackle unruly groups of youngsters.  It’s in the Bill.  And 100% wanted parents to take more responsibility for their children.  That’s in the Bill too.

“It is very pleasing that the Scottish Executive has taken our views on board.

“The challenge now, of course, is to make sure the politically correct and out of touch opponents of this Bill in parts of the media and the Scottish Parliament don’t succeed in watering it down.”

Speaking after launching the Bill, which follows an unprecedented consultation exercise in which the Telegraph played an active part, the Minister said:

“For any consultation to be effective, it is vital that those with first hand knowledge of the issue have their say.

“But with antisocial behaviour, when people are living in fear of abuse or violence, it can be hard to get people to share their views.  That is why the role played by the Greenock Telegraph was so important. 

“Their work allowed the people in Greenock and Inverclyde who live with the scourge of antisocial behaviour to contribute to what I believe will be a very significant piece of legislation.”

The main points of the Bill include 

• The extension of Anti-Social Behaviour Orders (ASBOs) to under-16s;
• Making parents take more responsibility for their children by introducing Parenting Orders;
• Targeted powers to disperse groups;
• The introduction of electronic monitoring (tagging) of under-16s;
• Banning the sale of spray paint to under-16s;
• Making ASBOs more effective;
• Closing certain premises, such as drinking or drug ‘dens’;
• Enhancing noise nuisance powers;
• Environmental measures to tackle fly-tipping and litter;
• Community Reparation Orders; and
• Fixed Penalties for anti-social behaviour.

ENDS

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