The Scottish Government has made funding of £400,000 available to Community Safety Partnerships from November 2009 - March 2010 to pay for a scheme that will help people to enjoy a night out in safety.

The Safer Streets scheme funds community safety initiatives including high visibility police patrols in 'hot spot' areas, street pastors, targeting of street drinkers, enhanced CCTV and late night taxi marshalls.

Scottish National Party MSP for Glasgow, Bob Doris, today welcomed the announcement of £40,000 to be given to Glasgow Community Safety Partnership.

Mr Doris said: "I am delighted by the ongoing commitment from the Scottish Government to ensure those going for a night out in Glasgow, Scotland's largest city, can do so safely.

"Glasgow's ‘Nite-zones’ initiative has been a great success. With record levels of police officers, recorded crime is down 25%. However, people also need to feel safe. This Scottish Government money will give people greater peace of mind when going out over the Christmas period.

“We are committed to reclaiming our streets from the anti-social contingent. The people of Glasgow deserve to go out for a meal or a drink and to expect to feel comfortable and to enjoy themselves.

Notes:

1.The Safer Streets initiative is a nationally directed, locally delivered programme, building upon existing partnership working to conduct high visibility, high impact, joint initiatives to reduce alcohol-related violence and disorder in city and town centres.

2. A summary of the activities funded by the 2008/09 funding is available here.