LOCAL MSP WELCOMES SUPPORT FOR SNP COUNCILLORS MOTION TO TACKLE ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR IN MIDLOTHIAN

SNP Councillors Debbi McCall and Colin Cassidy submitted the motion before Council yesterday calling for a business case to be made for investing in measures to robustly address and prevent antisocial behaviour, including an option to reinstate Community Safety Officers. Midlothian Councillors backed this unanimously.

Midlothian Council ended funding to its Community Safety Team in 2019.

Midlothian North and Musselburgh MSP, Colin Beattie said:

“I am pleased to see full  support for the motion put forward by the SNP Councillors.

“As a local constituency MSP, I am contacted on a weekly basis by constituents regarding ongoing anti-social behaviour issues, many living in fear in their own homes and these cases keep on rising.

“Since the disbandment of the Community Safety Team, anti-social behaviour in Midlothian has been poorly handled with many residents feeling their concerns have not been listened to and they have nowhere else to turn. They are frustrated at the lack of support received.

“Residents need support to help mediate and resolve conflicts before low level disturbance escalates to bigger issues as I have seen over the last few years. The reinstatement of Community Safety Officers can help do just that.
​
“This is an urgent issue that needs to be addressed in Midlothian and I am pleased to see these concerns are being taken seriously. I hope this is the start of a rigorous approach towards tackling this issue and full collaboration by all parties is required to get it right for all the residents.”