David Stewart calls for "Zero tolerance" approach towards anti-social behaviour

12 October 2010

Highlands and Islands Labour MSP David Stewart has called for a zero tolerance approach to be taken towards anti-social behaviour after learning how much it blights the lives of Hilton and Smithton residents.

The MSP was inundated with replies to a survey asking local people about anti-social problems in their streets.

The five main areas of concern were vandalism, litter, alcohol abuse, graffiti and noise.

Residents complained of a host of problems, from verbal abuse by youths and youngsters fighting in the street to damage caused to cars, gardens and fences, smashed bottles, dog fouling, drug dealing and under age alcohol abuse.

Posing with his "graffiti wall" to highlight the problem, Mr Stewart said:

"Anti-social behaviour blights the lives of far too many people in Hilton and Smithton and in other parts of Inverness, making their lives a misery on a daily basis.

"We need a stronger approach taken to anti-social behaviour.

"I have had regular meetings with Highland Council and the police which have been helpful but unfortunately the problem persists."

He added: "There should be a zero tolerance approach to taken anti-social behaviour, with stronger enforcement of the law, more police patrols and greater use of CCTV cameras."