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Monday, 14 April 2008 |
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 SNP MSP Bob Doris has today welcomed the announcement of funding for Operation Reclaim, a Glasgow based project tackling gang culture.
Mr Doris, SNP MSP for Glasgow has been supporting efforts by Operation Reclaim to raise funds and had discussed their case with the Cabinet Secretary for Justice Kenny MacAskill as well as raising it in Parliament.
Operation Reclaim is to receive £15,000 to work with 120 gang members to provide them with alternatives to violence and crime. Bob Doris joined Kenny MacAskill at Operation Reclaim this morning as the funding was announced. Operation Reclaim is one of 19 projects receiving funding.
Mr Doris said: "I brought this project to the attention of the Cabinet Secretary last year and have raised its important work in Parliament.
"Operation Reclaim is a vital project in Springburn offering real alternatives to people currently involved in gang violence and crime and delivering a real reduction in crime rates.
"There has been a 37% fall in crime in the area targeted by Operation Reclaim simply by providing people with alternatives.
"I am pleased to see the determination of Operation Reclaim has paid off and they will be able to extend their services.
"In communities affected by gang culture any effort to turn people away from violence and help them make a positive contribution to their community has to be welcomed and supported.
"It is great to see real effort being targeted by government, police and communities at clearing up the mess and sorting out the lives of those not just affected by gang violence but involved in gangs."
Note:
S3M-00209 Bob Doris (Glasgow) (Scottish National Party):
Strathclyde Police: Operation Reclaim— That the Parliament welcomes the success of Operation Reclaim, a Strathclyde Police initiative designed to reclaim public areas from gangs involved in antisocial behaviour; notes that it provided a range of coached activities including rugby league, football, golf and cricket centred initially at Red Road playing fields in Springburn with two dedicated, high-visibility police officers in attendance; further notes that the initiative was a success with upwards of 150 young people from all sectors of the community attending on a nightly basis and that there was a 37% reduction in overall crime for the targeted area; observes that the success of the initiative has resulted in increased funding, allowing it to roll out the programme in Royston, Sighthill, Barmulloch and Chirnsyde, and hopes that, while the new Operation Reclaim 5 Star will allow local communities to reclaim their public areas by tackling the problems of antisocial behaviour and social exclusion as well as reducing crime rates, it will also improve youth integration and provide sporting opportunities across the north of Glasgow.
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