A task force dedicated to keeping communities safe has been set up in Perth.
In a Scottish first, around a dozen community safety wardens will begin working directly with firefighters across the city and in Aberfeldy.
Sharing information, they hope to tackle serious problems as diverse as fire risk, anti-social behaviour, domestic abuse and social isolation.
And there is confidence “intelligence-led” operations that will result from the closer than ever working relationship will lead to a reduction in criminality and fewer hospital admissions.
The partnership has been welcomed by the Scottish Government, which believes it could deliver lasting change to communities.
It will see community safety wardens provided by Perth and Kinross Council adopt a base at Perth Community Fire Station.
SFRS Group Manager Billy McLintock said: “This is a brilliant example of safety partners literally coming together under one roof to protect communities.
“Having firefighters and safety wardens working in tandem on intelligence-led schemes like this always helps to reduce risk across a broad range of areas.
“But if we can prevent harm from arising in the first place then it’s better for everyone – and this partnership with the council wardens is definitely a way of achieving that.”
The council wardens already assist firefighters in carrying out home fire safety visits and helping to address household hazards.
Wardens also engage with young people to educate them on the dangers of fire-setting and their expertise will be directed at problem areas in Perth and Aberfeldy.
It is hoped their prevention tactics will help to reduce hospital admissions, deter bogus door-knockers and provide support to isolated individuals.
Perth and Kinross Councillor Harry Coates described the partnership as “terrific” and said wardens and fire officers had already achieved significant successes in tackling water safety and domestic abuse.
“These initiatives are already well established in this area and help protect residents across Perth and Kinross.
“Working closely at the fire station can only help to develop these relationships further.
“I am excited by this development and it has the signs of proving to be a successful model of good practice that other local authority areas may wish to follow.”
