Glasgow City Council has been urged to apply for the latest round of 'safer street' funding announced by the Scottish Government and to use the money to ensure that Glasgow's City Centre continues to flourish as one of the best destinations to go for an enjoyable evening out.

The latest funding of  £400,000 will be awarded to Community Safety Partnerships for community safety initiatives such as high visibility police patrols in 'hot spot' areas, targeting of street drinkers and late night taxi marshals all aimed at reducing alcohol-related violence and disorder in cities and town centres.

Last year the funding helped, amongst other initiatives, establish a 'Nite Zone' in Glasgow's West End and a static first aid post in the city centre. One of the most common and most effective uses of the funding has been through high profile policing and last year funding provided for 11,000 additional police officer hours throughout Scotland.

Glasgow MSP Sandra White has urged Glasgow City council and Community Safety Partnerships to use the funding to provide more high profile policing throughout the city centre to combat any anti social or disorderly conduct which might otherwise blight the generally welcoming atmosphere of the city centre.

"Glasgow's attracts tourists from across the globe and has always had a reputation throughout Scotland as a great place for a night out something which contributes a great deal to Glasgow's international reputation alongside its economic success and whilst I welcome the fact that there are a record number of police on the streets we can always do better"

"Youngsters, families and tourists alike should be able to enjoy all that Glasgow has to offer in a safe and friendly environment; however It is still sadly the case that a small minority spoil it for the rest  and in the process tarnish the great reputation of Glasgow and I believe that simple and effective policing of these 'hot spots' will help deter any anti social or disorderly behaviour"

"I have written to the City Centre's Community Safety Partnership to put these views forward and will be meeting with them in the future to see what action they will be taking and I would urge anyone who wants to see their local community made safer to do the same"