By Steve Bargeton, political editor

EFFORTS TO build safer communities and neighbourhoods in Fife won ministerial praise in a debate at Holyrood last night.

Deputy justice minister Hugh Henry told MSPs Fife is “in the forefront” in the fight against anti social behaviour.

“It is a disgrace that in far too many places across Scotland a small minority is causing mayhem and blighting the lives of the majority,” he said.

The minister singled out the Time2Act campaign in Fife and the introduction of mobile CCTV cameras in Buckhaven as examples of successful initiatives.

He said, “Fife has a commendable record of being in the forefront of using resources in an imaginative way.”

Opening the debate in her name, Fife Central MSP Christine May said she celebrate the responsible actions of the majority.

“Contrary to the impression one might get from the screaming headlines in some of our more sensationalist media outlets, our communities are, in general, lived in by individuals and families who not only take responsibility for their own behaviour and environment, but play an active part in trying to ensure that the environment and behaviour of those round about them is as good as can be,” she said.

“Yes, there are those who do their best to make life a misery for others round about them, but they are the minority.

“And it is in order to celebrate the responsible actions and behaviour of that majority that I am here tonight.”

Mrs May told MSPs the Time2Act campaign has helped recover almost £4 million in drugs and drug-related criminals.

“The campaign has also demonstrated how targeted action by all concerned has led to a 13% reduction in crime and anti-social behaviour in Fife this year,” she continued.

Mid-Scotland and Fife SNP MSP Tricia Marwick said she too wanted to see some Fife pilot projects rolled out across Scotland.

But she said, “In Fife we still have fewer police than the population needs.

“There is no substitute for having sufficient police on the beat to help our communities do better.”

Mid-Scotland and Fife Tory Ted Brocklebank welcomed many of the initiatives operating in Fife.

He said, however, that tougher action on young thugs should be considered, including “naming and shaming.”

“Why shouldn’t the public know who is causing the trouble?” he asked.

“Why should they not be named and shamed even if they are only 16?

“Our view is it is not more laws that we need, but enforcing the laws we already have, and more police on the ground.”

North East Fife MSP Iain Smith made a special plea for young people, asking fellow MSPs not to judge them because of the actions of a few.

“The vast majority of people are good neighbours and the vast majority of children too,” he said.

“Let’s not demonise all young people.”