Passers-by protected from antisocial behaviour by new legal action
Summer in the city was even more enjoyable this year… thanks to legal action that protected passers-by from the unacceptable conduct of a small number of antisocial citizens.
A summer dispersal order for Hunter Square and the High Street has been hailed as a success by residents and traders.
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The order, authorised by Lothian and Borders Police, ran through June, July and August.
It allowed the police to deal with drunken, aggressive and generally antisocial behaviour which was intimidating and distressing shoppers, café-goers and passers-by.
Groups of noisy and aggressive drunks were asked by the Police to disperse and, although fines of up to £ 2,500 or a three-month prison sentence could have been imposed on anyone who did not comply, this was not necessary.
The Council already supports several agencies that provide help and support to people with alcohol and dependence problems in an effort to help them improve their behaviour.
However, we fully backed the use of the dispersal order so that residents, workers and tourists could be protected from the unacceptable conduct of a small number of antisocial citizens.
In the long-term, there are plans for a re-design of Hunter Square, and the re-development of the Tron Kirk will offer opportunities to make the square a better managed and more welcoming public space.