33 NORTH COUNCIL

REPORT

To General Purposes Committee 1 Subject BYELAWS PROHIBITING THE I OF IN 1 CONSUMPTION ALCOHOL I DESIGNATED PUBLIC PLACES ~ 'From: Head of Legal Services

Date 6 Januarq 1997 Ref WBm

1. Introduction

1.1 At the meeting of the Committee held on 16 October 1996, Coinmittee noted a report by tlie Head of Legal Services indicating the various alternatives open to the Council to extend the prohibition on the consumption of alcohol in public places to cover the whole area, and resolved (1) that the Director of Administration be instructed to make a formal representation to the Secretary of State for Scotland for a blanket bail on the consumption of alcohol in public places throughout North Lanarkshire; and (2) that failing a satisfactoq response to such an approach the recommendation in the report by the Head of Legal Services be adopted, namely to promote one consolidated Byelaw for North Lanarkshire, incorporating existing areas and any further areas where evidence exists of public disorder and nuisance, and that the Director of Administration be authorised to enter consultation with Strathclyde Police and with local community Councils with a view to establishing the status of evidence of public disorder and nuisance arising from drinking in public places, and to report back to this Committee.

2. Representation to the Secretary of State

2.1 The Scottish Office were invited to advise on whether tlie Secretary of State would confirm a Byelaw covering the whole North Lanarkshire area. A copy of the repl!. dated 18 November 1996 forms Ames A to this report. The critical coiiment on behalf of the Secretary of State is contained in paragraph two of the letter - "Ministers have made clear on several occasions tlie reasons why they are not prepared to confirm district wide byelaws. That would crimiiialise all drinking in public, incrementally, and is neither necessary or appropriate. In many circumstances, in many places and at many events drillking in public is socially acceptable and causes no problems whatsoever. Ministers do, however, recognise that in certain areas there is a significant nuisance problem arising from public drinking. That is esactly the situation which the byelaws are intended to tackle and on which they should be targeted."

3. Consultation with Strathclyde Police

3.1 In order to establish the status of evidence of anti-social behaviour attributable to drillking in public: letters were addressed to the Divisional Commanders of Strathclyde Police "D", "N" and "P" Divisions.

3.2 Strathclyde Police "D" Division reported in a letter dated 23 December 1996 that Byelaws could be supported and policed in respect of a number of communities now lying within Korth Lanarkshire and formerly lying within the Strathkelvin District boundary, namely , Muirhead, Mount Ellen, , ? , and Mollinsbuni. That letter fomis Ames B 1 to this report. The Divisional Commander had previously reported in a letter

RLShlIi30 1.S.lhI'CG 34 Page 2 dated 16 October 1996 that Byelaws could be supported and policed in respect of Moodiesbuni. That letter forms Annes B2 to this report.

3.3 Strathclyde Police "N:" Division reported in a letter dated 27 November 1996 that Byelaws could be supported and policed in respect of all areas previously designated by tlie fornier Monklaiids District Council (, and Airdrie, and : , Caldercruis: Plains, Gleiuiiavis and ) and in respect of the following further communities which had not previously been included - Greeiigairs including , and Gartness. They further reported that Byelaws could be supported and policed in respect of tlie two areas previously designated by the former Cuiiibeniauld and District Council (Cunibeniauld New Town and Kilsq-tli) and in respect of the following further communities which had not previously been included - Croy, Banton, Queenziebuni, , Westenyood, Craigmarloch and Luggiebalk. The letter from the Divisional Coiimiaiider foniis Annex C to this report.

3.4 Strathclyde Police "P" Division reported in a letter dated 18 December 1996 that Byelaws could be supported and policed in respect of all areas previously designated by tlie fonner District Council (Motlienvell, and ) and in respect of the following further coinmunities which had not previously been included - ; Bellsliill: Nemiains, , Morningside, Cambusnethan and Crindledyke; Cleland, Knownoble and Bellside; Harthill and Eastfield; Allanton, Hartwood and Hartwoodhill; , and ; Hol!toma and Newhouse; and Birkenshaw and Calderbraes. They 0 further reported that Byelaws could be supported and policed in respect of the area of Strathclyde Park. The letter froin the Divisional Conuiiander fomis Annes D to this report.

4. Consultation with Community Councils

4.1 All Conununity Councils within the North Lanarkshire area were invited to coiiuiieiit on the necessity of Byelaws to meet problems of anti-social behaviour within their cormnunity areas.

4.2 Even Coiiununity Couiicil who responded to the letter expressed support for the esteiisioii of the Byelaws and referred to problems of anti-social behaviour being experienced witliiii their areas. Copies of the responses fonii Amex E to the report.

5. Recommendation

5.1 That in the light of the reply from the Scottish Office. taken with the responses from Strathclyde Police and local Community Councils. the Council now resolved to promote a Byelaw prohibiting the consumption of alcohol in public places within the following'0 designated areas -

Allanton, Hartwood and Hartwoodhill .4uchinloch Banton Bargeddie, Coatbridge and Airdrie and Mosseiid Birkensliaw and Calderbraes Calderbank and Chapelhall Caldercruis Carfin and Newarthill Chpston Cleland, Knownoble and Bellside Croy Cuiiibeniauld (including Dullatur, Westenvood: Craigiiiarloch and Broadwood) Gartcosli Page 3 35 Gartiiess Gleiiboig and Wattston Hartliill and Eastfield Hol\;tonii and Ne\+house Kilsytli Molliiisbuni Moniiiigside Motlienvell Muirhead and Mount Elleii Newiiaiiis. Criiidledyke and Boilkle Nen Steveiistoii Ove rtonii Plains Salsburgli Shotts Stepps. Millerstoii and Cardowan Viewpark Waterloo Wislian and Canibusnethan Stratlicll.de Park

5.2 That the Head of Legal Services now be instructed to draft Byelaws with the appropriate detailed location maps for submission to the local Procurators Fiscal and to the Scottish Office for approval, and to report back to this Coiimiittee as to progress at the appropriate juncture.

(Background papers are held nitliin the Legal Services Division Members requiring further iiifoniiation should contact Mr M Kcrr at Est. 2371.) 36 c AddLX p1

spg&.39.$.EC THE SCOTTISH OFFICE - eHome Department Saughton House Broomhouse Drive -c. .=k .=k ------. L._ 7-p” h: Edinburgh EH 1 1 3XD *i/- - t 2 2. NOV Telephone 0 I 3 I -244 2833 :L-- - - ~ M Ken Esq .7 Fax0131-244 1’ Head of Legal Services I-- - - North Lanarkshire Council P 0 Box 14 Civic Centre MOTHERWELL ML1 1TW \8November 1996

BYELAWS PROHIBITING THE CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOL IN DESIGNATED PUBLIC PLACES

Thank you for your letter of 21 October seeking views on whether the Secretary of State would confirm byelaws covering the whole of North Lanarkshire, about which we have already spoken on the telephone.

Ministers have made clear on several occasions the reasons why they are not prepared to confirm district wide byelaws. That would criminalise all drinking in public, incrementally, and is neither necessary Dr appropriate. In many circumstances, in many places and at many events drinking in public is socially acceptable and causes no problems whatsoever. Ministers do, however, recognise that in certain areas there is a significant nuisance problem arising from public drinking. That is exactly the situation which the byelaws are intended to tackle and on which they should be targeted.

You refer to existing byelaws already confirmed in respect of various other ‘districts’. Growing experience of the operation of these byelaws has highlighted the problems of displacement of nuisance from one area of a town or village to another, if the byelaws only cover part of the place. In light of that, Ministers have recently confirmed byelaws covering several entire towns or cities, where the local authority indicated there was a problem to be addressed and the police confirmed that they would welcome the byelaws and would be in a position to enforce such a “whole-town” approach.

You explained in your letter that in reaching its resolution, the Council noted the terms of the byelaw recently confirmed in respect of the City of Glasgow. You will be aware that that byelaw did not quite extend to the whole area of the former District Council, excluding the 2 per cent of the Council’s area which is open fields, to the north of the built-up area.

HPK035 18.1 16 a %& Recycled 37

Ministers are prepared to consider all reasonable proposals for properly targeted byelaws. I am happy to discuss and assist with the development of any such proposals, to ensure that councils are well aware of the Government’s policy in this area and to facilitate as smooth a passage as possible when it comes to implementing the statutory procedures. Experience has shown that these matters are progressed with fewer problems when a degree of informal consultation takes place. I look forward to continued dialogue as you work towards the ‘consolidation’ of all the byelaws North Lanarkshire inherited and, if appropriate, their extension to other places not yet covered.

HPK03518.116 38

JAN 97 STRATHCLYDE POLICE I.

JOHN ORR OBE BA DipFM FlMgt Chief Constable DC' Sub-Division Townhead KIRKINTILLOCH Director of Administration G66 1NG North Lanarkshire Council PO Box 14 Tel NO 0141-532 4400 Civic Centre MOTHERWELL ML1 1TJ Your Ref: ES63/2MRP

FAO Mr M Parham Our Ref: DC/NMacL/LG

PRIVATE & CONFIDENTIAL Date: 23 December 1996

Dear Parham

PROHIBITION OF THE CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOL IN DESIGNATED PUBLIC PLACES

I refer to your letter of 5 December 1996 regarding the above subject and have to inform you that enquiry was made into the number of complaints and disturbances for the months of June to November 1996 for the remaining areas of this Sub Division covered by the North Lanarkshire Council. These areas are as follows :-

Chryston Muirhead Mount Ellen Gar tcosh Cardowan Stepps Millerston

The following statistics were obtained:-

No of Incidents

June - 105 July - 103 August - 101 September - 77 October - 83 November - 81

The following crimes have also been recorded within these total figures:-

Breach of the Peace - 26 Assault - 38 Vandalism - 42

INVESTOR lX PEOPLE 39 -2-

The remainder of the incidents refer in general to disorder by youths, the majority of whom have been consuming alcohol in public places. Although these youths often disperse on police arrival, the evidence of the empty beer bottles, spirit bottles, etc is often left behind on most occasions. From experience the most common crimes associated with the consumption of alcohol are Breach of the Peace, Assault and Vandalism.

Whilst I am not in a position to categorically state that each incident involves the consumption of alcohol in a public place, I can say that this type of behaviour is only too common throughout my area of responsibility and the actions of your Council are indeed welcome, not only by the police but I am sure by the general public.

Do not hesitate to contact me if further information is required.

Yours sincerely STRATHCLYDE POLICE

JOHN ORR OBE BA DipFM FiMgt Chief Constabie 'DC' Sub-Division Townhead KIRKINTILLOCH Director of Administration G66 ING North Lanarkshire Council P 0 Box 14 Tel No 0141-532 4400 Civic Centre Motherwell , ML1 1TW Your Ref: ES63/2/MEiP

Attn: Mr M Parham Our Ref: DC/NMacL/JF

PRIVATE AND CONFIDENTIAL Date : 16 October 1996

Dear Mr Parham

PROHIBITION OF THE CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOL IN DESIGNATED PUBLIC PLACES

I refer to your letter of 3 October 1996 regarding the above subject and have to inform you that enquiry was made into the number of complaints and disturbances for the months of July, August and September of this year for the Moodiesburn area.

The following statistics were obtained:-

Number of Incidents

July - 65 August - 65 September - 81 TOTAL - 211 The following crimes have been recorded within these total figures:- .. Breach of the Peace - 7 Assault -4 Vandal ism - 16

The remainder of the incidents refer in general to disorder by youths, the majority of whom have been consuming alcohol in public places. Although these youths often disperse on Police arrival, the evidence of empty beer bottles, spirit bottles, etc., is often left behind on most occasions. From experience, the most common crimes associated with the consumption of alcohol are Breach of the Peace, Assault and Vandalism.

i? ONESTOR IN PEOPLE 41 -2-

Whilst I am not in a position to categorically state that each incident involves the consumption of alcohol in a public place, I can say that this type of behaviour is only too common throughout my area of responsibility, and the actions of your council are indeed welcome, not only by the Police, but I am sure by the general public.

Do not hesitate to contact me if further information is required.

Yours sincerely

Chief Inspector I 42

JOHN ORR OBE BA DipFM ClMgt Chief Constable 'N' Divisional HQ Whittington Street COATBRIDGE THE DIRECTOR OF ADMINISTRATION ML5 3AD NORTH LANARKSHIRE COUNCIL PO BOX 14, CIVIC CENTRE Tel No 01236-502000 MOTHERWELL MLI 1TW RUTLAND - DX571400 COATBRIDGE 2

Your Ref: NL LDC GEN 9 AMK

/ Our Ref: N/JC/LIC/LD Date : 27 NOVEMBER 1 996 0

Dear Sir

NORTH LANARKSHIRE COUNCIL BYE-LAWS PROHIBITING THE CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOL IN DESIGNATED PUBLIC PLACES

I refer to the above and to your letter dated 25 October 1996 and have to inform you that I would endorse any proposal to extend the prohibition on the consumption of alcohol in public places to cover all Council areas. Since the inception of the Bye-Laws in the former Monklands and and Kilsyth Districts it has become all too evident that there is an increased public confidence in that the areas designated are far more pleasant and safer places as a result of the number of drink related offences in those areas having been dramatically reduced.

The introduction of the Bye-laws removed the drinkers from the streets, whicl. in turn reduced the number of complaints of assaults, vandalism, persons urinating, litter and acts of Breach of the Peace.

Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for the areas which were not covered by the new Legislation, i.e: the villages of Croy, Banton, Queenzieburn, Dullatur, Westerwood, Craigmarloch and Luggiebank, in the former Cumbernauld and Kilsyth District and the villages of Greengairs, Wattson and Gartness in the former Monklands District.

There is no doubt in my mind that to extend the Bye-laws to cover those areas would have the same impact on the number of complaints of anti-social behaviour attributable to drinking in public as they had in the areas previously designated.

My officers have rigorously enforced the Bye-laws in the areas already covered, with the result that the numbers of complaints regarding street drinkers are now minimal.

INVESTOR IN PEOPLE 43 -2-

If your Authority is successful in obtaining a district wide ban it would not impose any burden on the Police, but would, as' has already been proved, have the opposite effect.

Yours faithfully

4&\5L*.

Divisional Commander

NOV96\L\NI 54957 44

'P' Divisional HQ 217 Windmillhill Street JOHN ORR OBE BA DipFM CiMgt MOTHERWELL Chief Constable MLI 1RZ The Head of Legal Services North Lanarkshire Council Tel No 01698-483000 P.O. Box 14 FaX NO 01698-483030 Civic Centre .. DX No 1703 Motherwell 2 _-. MOTHERWELL i Your Ref:

Our Ref: P/48/PP/59

Date : 18 December 1996

Dear Sir

NORTH LANARKSHIRE COUNCIL BYE-LAWS PROHIBITING THE CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOL IN DESIGNATED PUBLIC PLACES

I refer to your letter dated 25 October 1996 regarding the above subject and your request for information regarding the Bye-Law and to provide statistical evidence showing that drink related problems exist in areas not covered by the Bye-Law .

The Bye-Law has been in force fully in Motherwell, Shotts and part of Viewpark since July 1993 after an experimental period of two years.

The number of prosecutions for contravening the Bye-Law since 1 April 1995 are : -

Fixed Penalty Fines - 319 Convicted after Court Appearance - 142

This number of prosecutions is a reflection on the way the problem. is policed in areas covered by the Bye-Law and shows that the police do take action against offenders. e

I would like to mention, very briefly, the areas which are already covered by the Bye-Law.

During the experimental period in 1991 statistics showing complaints received by the police relating to disturbances were collated.

In the eight weeks prior to the Bye-Law coming into force on 15 April 1991 a total number of 762 incidents involving public disorder were attended by the police in the three areas being covered.

During the first eight weeks of the Bye-Law being in force the total number Of incidents attended by the police fell to 343, an approximate 50% reduction.

During the final eight weeks of the experimental Bye-Law a further survey was carried out which showed that the police attended 241 incidents which was again a considerable reduction. The total reduction from 762 incidents to 241 incidents showed the impact the Bye-Law had in the areas concerned. DEC96\L\PIJ6754 0a-6 D4STOR M PEOPLE 45 -2-

In Fotherwell there is a Premier Divisional Football Club which attracts an average audience of 5000 spectators. It is interesting to note that very few spectators are arrested for drunk and disorderly offences inside or outside the ground and there have been very few incidents of drinking in the street on the way to any match. All travelling fans are notified of the Bye-Law in their own club programmes or famines.

This lack of drinking on the way to a game is supported by a significant lack of litter ie empty beer cans or wine bottles.

One of the problems which currently exists with the present partial Bye-Law is displacement which is clearly illustrated in Viewpark.

The boundary in Viewpark extends along two roads, namely Aitkenhead Road and Holmbrae Road. Youths simply have to cross these two roads into either the Calderbraes or Birkenshaw areas to be able to drink resulting in several calls a week to the police by members of the public complaining about youths drinking and causing annoyance. Members of the public in these areas are obviously angered when they realise the police are relatively powerless to deal with these incidents.

I fully support the Councils primary position to seek one Bye-Law which would cover the whole of North Lanarkshire.

One of the areas not covered by the present Bye-Law is Strathclyde Park, Motherwell. It was thought families using the park would be deterred from having picnics as adults may have wished to have consumed alcohol. This, through experience, is not the norm, families using the park do so for recreational pursuits such as walking and boating. People using the park generally arrive by car which means that they are unlikely to drink and drive.

Since the Bye-Law came into force the Police have encountered problems with youths from the North Motherwell, Greenacres and other surrounding areas who go into the park to consume their alcohol which has led to several complaints about youths drinking in the park. These youths flaunt the provisions of the current legislation.

Drinking in public places continues to be a problem throughout areas not covered by the Bye-Law which results in a large number of complaints from the public which the police can only deal with by way of moving youths on and warning them re their conduct. Evidence of public drinking is always there to see with an increase in litter conslsting of empty cans and wine bottles.

If the Bye-Law was extended and became permanent in all areas it would be an effective deterrent to deal with public drinking incidents and would for certain groups of drinkers deter problematic behaviour associated with such drinking.

As requested officers from my Licensing Department have gathered statistical evidence since July 1996 which in my opinion endorses the need for legislation to cover the whole former Motherwell District 46

-3-

The statistics are shown on the attached appendix and show drink related incidents which have been reported to the police in the areas not covered by the Bye-Law. To assist the local authority each area of a town has been taken into consideration and then the total for that town has been given. The statistics prove beyond all doubt that there is a need for the Bye-Law to be implemented throughout the District.

I trust this information will enable your authority to reach a conclusion and extend the partial Bye-Law to cover the whole area.

Yours faithfully

Y

Chief Superintendent 47 -4-

APPEND I X

Table showing number of complaints and disturbances in the areas not covered by the Bye-Law between 1 July - 30 November 1996.

MOTHERWELL

Strathclyde Park 58

WISHAW

Netherton 110 Gowkthrapple and Overtown 96 Main Street from Top Cross to Waterloo and Waterloo area 113 Pather 154 Cra i gneuk 74 Wishawhill 26 Greenhead 17 Main Street, Top Cross to Botton Cross 32 Co 1tnes s 149

Total complaints for Wishaw

BELLSHILL

Hattonrigg 68 Town Centre Areas 96 Orbis ton 164 -96 Total for Bellshill -51 1

Newmains, Bonkle, Morningside, Cambusnethan and Crindledyke 155

Cleland, Knowenoble and Bellside 21 Harthill and Eastfield 56 Allanton, Hartwood and Hartwoodhill 32

New Stevenston, Carfin and Newarthill 199 and Newhouse 247

VIEWPARK AREAS NOT COVERED

Birkenshaw and Calderbraes 92

Total number of complaints and disturbances 2240 for areas not covered by the Bye-Law 48 E BELLSHPLL COMMUNITY COUNCIL Secretary 209 Motherwell Road Bellshill ML4 2JG Tel: 842002

.- - .., . L. I _-

Secretary: Willie Foy Chairman : Tom Leggate Treasurer : Ernest hlcEwan 49

30t\ Novenber 1996

Ref: NLTJXGEN9AHR

3e Director of Administration JVorth Lanarkshire Council P c Rox 14 Civic Centre Iviothemell m1 1w

Ear Sir

Nort,’? Lanarkshire Council Byelavs ProhiSitinq the Consumption of Alcohol in Dssiqnated ?u%lic Places

Vk than’< you for your letter of 31st Octolxr regarsing the above.

For a great number of years our Community Council %as ’wen adicressing t1-e prohlein of

0 Pk trust that this information might ke of some service, and t’?an!c you for giving us the opportunity to coment.

Yours sincerely h

Bon. Secretary Miss R Anderson 1, Neuk Ave Mui rhead Clvyston G69 9TX

‘?hone 0141 779 1072 50

NEWARTHILL COMMUNITY COUNCIL.

Secy: Mrs. P. Ward, 186 Burnside Road, Your ref: Newarthill, NL LDC GEN 9 AMK Motherwell ML1 5BS.

30th November, 1996. D ?%

Administration Dept., North Lanarkshire Council, P.0. Box 14 Civic Centre, Motherwell ML1 1TW.

b Dear Sirs, E

North Lanakshire Council. Byelaws Prohibiting consumption of alcohol in designated Public Places.

At our meeting on 27th November we discussed your letter of 31st October regarding the above.

We do have a problem here, as well as that of under-age drinking. Both have resulted in acts of violence and vandalism. Sheltered hbking residents complain of being afraid to pass young gangs whenthese residents are going to the local supermarket - if they say anything their windows are smashed as well as verbally abused; empty bottles of cheap wine litter certain areas; telephone boxes, schools, churches and the Boxing Club have been targeted] as well as the recent vandalism to the new surgery in High Street.

A ban of all alcohol drinking in public should help deter such anti-social behaviour and we would willingly endorse any such application to the Secretary of State for such legalisation.

Yours faithfully,

c,c. Cllr J. Lafferty. OVERTOWN & WATERLOO 51 C 0 MMUNITY COUN C I1 j E-lf - 9 6

0 52

Plains CommunitvJ Council 85 Kintyre Crescent Plains by Airdrie ML6 7NG

30 November 1996

A.M. Kerr Head of Legal Services North Lanarkshire Council PO Box 14 Civic Centre Motherwell

Dear Mr Ken

Bye Laws Prohibiting the Consumption of Alcohol in Public Places

I refer to your letter of 3 1 October 1996 and apologise for the delay in replying.

The Community Council discussed the issue at a recent meting and while we recognise that an extension of the bye laws will not eradicate many of the problems associated with alcohol consumption, we note that many public areas in the village are adversely affected by public drinking and would therefore support any extension of the bye laws as proposed.

I hope that this is of assistance

Yours sincerely

CA\ - L -- Gordon Miller a for Plains Community Council 53

QUEENZIEBURN COMMUNITY COUNCIL

17 Anderson Cres. Queenzieburn KILSYTH Glasgow G65 9EW

27 December 1996

Mr. Kerr Your Ref: NL LDC GEN 9 AMK Head of Legal Services North Lanarkshire Council P.O. Box 14 Civic Centre MOTHERWELL MLI ITW

Dear Sir

BYELAWS PROHIBITING THE CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOL IN DESIGNATED PUBLIC PLACES

Thank you for your letter of 31 October 1996 regarding the above.

I can confirm that there is evidence of anti-social behaviour attributed to drinking in public, in our village. Since the Byelaw covering Kilsyth came into force we have noticed that persons are now using our village as an open air drinking place. We have received many complaints about this and about the empty bottles, broken bottles, and empty beer cans littering the village.

We would be greatly obliged if you would include our village and surrounding area in your attempt to extend the prohibition on the consumption of alcohol in public places.

0 Yours faithfully

Mrs. Jean Strutton Secretary 54 STEPPS & DISTRICT COMMUNITY COUNCIL

S & D C C / MMS MRS MARGARET M STRUTHERS 21 Ballaig Cres Stepps 11 December 1996 Glasgow G33 6NR

Mr John O’Hagan Director of Administration North Lanarkshire Council P 0 Box 14 Civic Centre Motherwell ML1 1TW . 3. DEC . -. For the attention of Head of Legal Services I c- , -

Dear Sirs

r A mmn ny.m IfilUU 1 ”ULIC

Please find attached a copy-. of our letter to the Former Strathkelvin Distict Council regarding the above subject.

In the two years since these recommendations were made by this Community Council little has changed with the problem and we now pass these designated areas to you for inclusion in this byelaw.

Should you require any further information please do not hesitate to contact the writer.

Yours faithfully STEPPS & DISTRICT COMMUNITY COUNCIL

MARGARET M STRUTHERS Secretary STEPPS & DISTRICT COMMUNITY COUNCIL

S. & D.C.C. / MMS MRS. MARGARET M. STRUTHERS, 21 Ballaig Cres.,

s tepps 3 Ith June 1994 Glasgow G33 6NR

I.B. Kilgour, L.L.B., D.P.A., M.I.Mgt., N.P., )irector of Administration, i trathkelvin District Council , '.O. Box 4, Tom Johnston House, :ivic Way, Cirkintilloch G66 4TJ

(OUR REF : ES63/2 MC/AH

Dear Sir,

PREVENTION OF CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOL IN PUBLIC PLACES.

Further to the submissions put forward by Stepps & District Community Council re problem areas, we would make the following further comments :-

MILLERSTON The lane between Station Road and Coshneuk Road would appear to be the main problem area. There is also a lane running from Station Road into Cessnock Road which local residents feel could become a problem.

STEPPSHILL Whilst Dunalastair Park is cited by both the Police and the Community Council as being the main problem area, the small park / gardens between Dunalastair Drive and Lochearnhead Road has had problems in the past and could again become a problem if only Dunalastair Park is designated.

STEPPS The War Memorial and Stepps Park / Tennis Courts have been problem areas for many years and have become progressively worse. The childrens' play area in the park is subject to continual vandalism with equipment damaged and broken glass strewn on and around play equipment, this creates danger for young children and an unnecessary financial burden on the District Council Cleansing Department. The recently opened "fast food" shop adjacent to the War Memorial has increased the number and regularity of youths congregating, drinking and littering in this area. This is the main area in the village of Stepps which should be designated.

The playing fields between Cumbernauld Road and Hornshill Farm Road houses. the hockey pavilion, and problems exist here particularly with vandalism to the hockey pavilion.

Cont'd...... 56

STEPPS , con t d. The Bluebell Woods is an attractive area being spoilt by drinking / vandalism.

CARDOWAN

Cardowan Road on the whole is a problem area with groups continually congregating to drink etc., at the corner of Cardowan Road / Frankfield Road and the corner of Cardowan Road / Clayhouse Road. Cardowan Drive also has problems with youths travelling to and from Cardowan Road, generally drinking and causing constant noise and disruption to the residents. The junction of Cardowan Road / railway line designated should be highlighted as mostly in the station area and under the bridge, and is at it's worst in the winter months, Frankfield play park also suffers with vandalism through drinking etc.

GENERAL Over the years the residents living next to or near the designated areas have seen their quality of life deteriorate.

In general, all sites which are obviously non-private such as the primary schools, church grounds and public halls are used by gangs of youths for drinking, and since these buildings are susceptible to vandalism and burglary, such community facilities should also be covered by district bye-laws.

The population of Stepps & District is in the region of 3500, and since the suggestion has already been made by both the District Council and the Police that whole village areas could be designated, we as a Community Council feel that we can justify a request that our village and surrounding area, be designated for "blanket" coverage by a District Council Bye-law.

Should you require any further information) please do not hesitate to contact the writer.

Yours faithfully,

MARGARET M. STRUTHERS, Secretary, Stepps & District Community Council

enc. copy letter from Chief Inspector N. MacLeod, "DC" Sub-division, Kirkintilloch