The Scottish Executive is urging staff in Comhairle nan Eilean Siar Council who are charged with tackling antisocial behaviour (ASB) to take advantage of a national telephone line and website which offers expert advice and information.

Antisocial behaviour professionals working directly with local people and communities can contact trained specialists on the national freephone line 0800 850 500 to receive practical advice on the range of ways in which to tackle antisocial behaviour such as prevention, early intervention and diversion, enforcement and rehabilitation.

The online and telephone service – which launched in 2004 – has already proved particularly useful for local authority professionals charged with putting their local strategies in place, following the introduction of the Antisocial Behaviour etc (Scotland) Act in October 2004.

Other professionals who are directly engaged in the fight against antisocial behaviour, such as police officers, community wardens, social workers, Children’s Panel members, youth justice teams and registered social landlords, can also benefit from the free advice on offer.

The website ( www.antisocialbehaviourscotland.com <http://www.antisocialbehaviourscotland.com/>) also provides a comprehensive range of information and advice including step-by-step guides to the measures contained within the Antisocial Behaviour etc (Scotland) Act 2004. The site also includes tips on good practice and training materials, as well as a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) on all aspects of dealing with antisocial behaviour.

The first year’s operation of the Antisocial Behaviour etc (Scotland) Act 2004 has seen individuals, communities and local agencies across Scotland standing up more effectively to tackle antisocial behaviour.

In addition to the well-publicised measures like ASBOs, dispersal orders, and electronic tagging for young people, there has been significant progress made by local authorities in tackling ASB which includes:

• the creation of local hotlines to speed up the reporting of antisocial behaviour;
• more and better trained local staff to support communities in their stand against ASB, including community wardens;
• action to tackle noisy neighbours, boy racers, and graffiti;
• and over 1,500 on the spot fines, to curb unacceptable street behaviour like breach of the peace and urinating in public, issued during a six month period of a pilot scheme in Tayside.

For further information, please contact Barry McPherson: 0131 558 3111 (office), 07776 495 864 (mobile) or barry@bigpartnership.co.uk

Nigel Scott
Communications Officer
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar

Tel: 01851 709389 (Work)
Tel: 07884 236103 (Mobile)
email: nscott@cne-siar.gov.uk