£400,000 to help tackle drink-related violence

Published on Tuesday 22 September 2009 22:09

NEW funding to help tackle alcohol-fuelled violence was announced yesterday by the Scottish Government.

A total of 400,000 of Safer Streets funding will be available to local authorities from November this year through to March 2010.

Community safety minister Fergus Ewing said the money would fund projects that help make Scotland's streets safer.

The funding is to be divided between all 32 of Scotland's councils and will help pay for community safety initiatives, such as having high visibility police patrols in areas that are hot spots for trouble, enhanced CCTV provision and late night taxi marshals. Mr Ewing announced the funding before meeting police and community wardens in Glasgow.

He said: "It is only right that people going out for a meal or a drink or to a show can do so free from the threat of aggressive or anti-social behaviour.

"With crime at its lowest for 25 years and record numbers of police officers serving our communities, this government is working to make Scotland safer and stronger.

"This additional funding for all Scotland's local authorities will support community safety projects that seek to reduce violence, particularly alcohol fuelled violence in our towns and cities and stop the minority spoiling the fun for the rest of us."