South Ayrshire Council News

Joining in the fun at the Oval are Kenny MacAskill and Superindendent John Hazlett

Kenny MacAskill, Cabinet Secretary for Justice, visited the Oval in Prestwick to see how a youth initiative is working to help curb youth disorder.

During his visit Kenny MacAskill met with Superintendent John Hazlett, Councillor John Allan, Police Officers, representatives of the South Ayrshire Community Safety Partnership and members of the local community.

Speaking of his visit Kenny MacAskill said: "The majority of our young people are well behaved and a credit to their communities but the devil finds work for idle hands. The diversionary projects led by police in Ayrshire are a great example of how giving youngsters the chance to take part in activities has benefitted not just them but their community.

"We fully support this approach and are also funding innovative projects aimed at diverting young people from the cycle of offending through our CashBack schemes. Tackling the underlying causes of crime will continue to be one of our key approaches to making Scotland safer and stronger."

Strathclyde Police and the South Ayrshire Community Safety Partnership have been delivering diversionary projects to young people across South Ayrshire, that have included sporting activities such as football, athletics and BMX biking. Activities have taken place at the Oval in Prestwick divert young people from becoming involved in alcohol misuse and acts of vandalism.

Councillor John Allan, speaking on behalf of the South Ayrshire Community Safety Partnership said: "It is excellent news that the number of incidents of crime has dropped so dramatically at the Oval in the month of June. The South Ayrshire Community Safety Partnership is very supportive of providing diversionary activities, which create an opportunity for young people to use their leisure time constructively. It is important that young people learn that being involved in antisocial behaviour is not acceptable and that there are so many more constructive ways to use their leisure time."

As a result of the activities on offer crime in June 2008 within the Oval was reduced by 25% compared to June 2007.

Superintendent John Hazlett Sub Divisional Officer at Ayr Police Office, said: "The Oval is a well known park within Prestwick and is generally a safe place to use. The diversionary activities highlighted are just some of the ongoing initiatives aimed at targeting youth disorder, a topic very much at the forefront of the Ayrshire division's work with the Forcewide campaign against violence currently underway. Officers have been working with local communities and partner agencies on a number of diversionary activities. By participating in initiatives like football or athletics, young people are generally less likely to get into trouble. They offer the opportunity for police to engage with young people to warn them of the dangers involved and the consequences of youth disorder."

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