| Youth Liaison Officer PC Peter Fugaccia, accompanied by Inspector David Coates and local Community Liaison Officer PC Mark Callison, visited Carnoustie High School today to meet Rector Fraser Booth.
PC Fugaccia took up his post — formerly titled Youth Issues Co-ordinator — in Monifieth following concerns about the behaviour of a number of local youths and a perceived lack of opportunities and activities for young people there.
Feedback from Monifieth residents since his appointment has been positive.
The community council has proved to be very supportive and there has been keen interest from youngsters in the area who want to get involved in the activities being set up for them.
Initial funding has been provided by the Integrated Community Schools Partnership.
Activities are being organised with a number of organisations, including Angus Council’s Community Learning & Development and Leisure Services departments, the Web Project and the Seven Arches Trust.
At the same time as establishing diversionary activities, Inspector Coates is determined to deal robustly with problems of youths causing annoyance and anti-social behaviour, including under-age drinking, vandalism, breach of the peace and violent conduct.
He said, “I’m delighted we are now adopting a similar approach in Carnoustie.
“The Carnoustie initiative will follow the same model as that in Monifieth in tackling identical issues which, it must be stressed, are not exclusive to these two Angus towns.
“Residents are concerned about youths causing annoyance and anti-social behaviour and we are determined to alleviate this problem by taking robust action where incidents arise.
“At the same time, we feel it is important to offer all young people in the area, not just the minority whose behaviour is unacceptable, other and more rewarding alternatives to channel their energies.”
PCs Fugaccia and Callison will be visible in the town with the intention of talking to youngsters who live in or frequent Carnoustie to discuss local concerns and issues and make them aware of the efforts being made to establish alternative activities on their behalf.
They will also be engaging with the wider community to make residents aware of the efforts being made to address issues of concern to local people.
As part of the initiative, Tayside Police are encouraging residents to contact them with any information they have.
They are also urging parents to make a point of knowing where their children are, who they are with and what they are doing. |
