By Dave Lord

CONCERTED EFFORTS to tackle the booze-fuelled anti-social behaviour that can blight communities are being stepped up in Perth and Kinross.

Councillors will today hear that a number of key strategies drawn up following a major conference on the subject last year are now being implemented.

A report by David Burke, the local authority’s executive director of housing and community care, states that “notable progress” is being made as the council bids to fight alcohol-related problems.

Among the main priorities is the co-ordination of youth activities to help combat anti-social behaviour.

Mr Burke said, “A group, member-ship of which includes the anti- social behaviour team and Tayside Police, has been established to co-ordinate the Street Sport For All project which consists of a mobile sports pitch that can be taken to hotspot areas where youth-causing annoyance calls are prevalent.

“It is deployed for two nights a week over an eight-week cycle.

“Youth workers from youth services and partners staff the facility. The army recruiting team also occasionally attend events with their climbing wall.

“In addition £89,000 of funding from the Youth Justice Partnership will be directed at projects that show they will have an impact on community safety issues involving young people.”

Mr Burke added that a scheme is also set to be established in a bid to reach out to youngsters deemed to be at risk of turning to crime.

“A two-year pilot partnership has been developed and funded by Perth and Kinross Council and the YMCA to provide a mentoring programme for young people at risk of becoming involved in offending,” he said.

Meanwhile, a Perth and Kinross- wide “alcohol is not an excuse for sexual violence” campaign using bus advertising will run in November.

“The domestic abuse and violence against women forum is developing an awareness campaign for young people with the message ‘no to sexual violence’,” Mr Burke said.

“Youth services have been tasked with developing posters and leaflets that can be used in pubs and clubs.

“The spiking of drinks will be a major theme.”

Additional measures aimed at curbing alcohol-related anti-social behaviour will focus on parents.

“A poster campaign will raise parents’ awareness of the potential for young people to take alcohol from home without their know-ledge,” Mr Burke said.