Politicians host summit to discuss Meadows violence crackdown

Daniel Johnson, Scottish Labour candidate for Edinburgh Southern and Ian Murray, Labour MP for Edinburgh South, chaired a virtual community crisis meeting on Friday regarding the popular park.

The discussion centred around the anti-social behaviour witnessed last weekend, including cases of assault and widespread breaking of covid restrictions.

On Saturday, an Edinburgh police officer was taken to hospital with facial injuries after responding to reports of mass gatherings and fighting at the beauty spot.

Huge police resources have been needed to deal with the crowds converging on the Meadows in recent weeks. (Picture: Anna Koslerova/SWNS.com)

A video, shared widely on social media, was taken by a Scottish rapper on his Instagram @jaad_rapper, and shows the dramatic scenes that include police breaking up the fights by wrestling people to the ground.

At one point, a man is smashed over the head with a glass bottle by someone he had been fighting with.

Included in the roundtable was local stakeholders, councillors, affected businesses, representatives from the University of Edinburgh and the police.

The meeting was attended by over 40 speakers and streamed live on Facebook, and is set to be followed up by a further virtual public meeting next Friday, given the strength of feeling from local residents.

Shocking scenes last weekend

Attendees at the meeting discussed the need for an increase in toilet provision, a more visible police presence, a way to strengthen the enforcement of covid restrictions, and better visible signage throughout the Meadows.

The forum also discussed whether some by-laws, regarding public drinking and police powers, need to be revised or strengthened.

Mr Johnson said: “Those scenes from last weekend were truly unacceptable.

“I share the concerns of all those I had the chance to speak to regarding the widespread breaking of covid restrictions, the violence, anti-social behaviour, the public urination and the piles of rubbish left behind.

'Tuly unacceptable' - Daniel Johnston

“It was encouraging to see such a positive discussion at the meeting and I look forward to even further engagement with local residents at my public meeting next week, whose concerns I can then outline to the council and police.”

Ian Murray MP said: “What we wanted to do was bring together all the key community stakeholders to ensure a proper action from the police and the city council to tackle this before the remaining lockdown measures are eased and also to address historic issues.

“We can’t let our precious green spaces be spoiled for everyone each and every weekend.

“Daniel and I are committed to making the Meadows an enjoyable experience for all its visitors and users of all ages.”

“We can’t let our precious green spaces be spoiled" - Ian Murray

Alex Orr, an SNP list candidate for the Lothian region, first floated the idea of the ‘Meadows summit’ after personally witnessing the chaotic scenes over the weekend.

Mr Orr said: “Any discussions that generate potential solutions are to be welcomed.

“Police enforcement of regulations and increased litter collection can however only be a short-term solution.

“Greater provision of bins and toilets is something that many, such as myself, have been campaigning on for some time and which I am aware the council is progressing.

“However, much more work needs to be done to address the complexities which are at the root of anti-social behaviour.

“The work of youth groups, such as 6VT, and their activity in the Meadows is to be greatly commended.

“We clearly need greater investment in youth services as well as in educational and mentoring programmes in schools. It is pleasing to see the council also progressing this.

“There is no one single solution on its own that will address these issues and there must be a package of measures implemented.

“The Meadows is a much-loved and appreciated resource, and we must all act to try and keep it that way.”

The summit follows an Edinburgh City Council and Police Scotland ‘Meadows action plan’, which was published on Thursday - including a dedicated policing operation, a council surveillance van and park ranger patrols - to deal with the antisocial behaviour and violence witnessed during sunny weather.

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