Award as crime slumps at Prestwick Oval

Oct 30 2009

A PROJECT which cut crime by 25 per cent in Prestwick Oval has received a top award.

The action group responsible for reducing anti-social behaviour and giving the facility back to the community was highly commended at this year’s Scottish Policing Awards.

The news comes more than a year after police teamed up with the community to find a solution to the problems plaguing the once popular park.

And they came up with a range of fun alternatives to keep young people away from drink and bad behaviour.

Chief Inspector Andy Sweeney is the deputy sub-divisional officer for South Ayrshire.

He explained how working with the South Ayrshire Community Safety Partnership and residents has made a significant difference.

He said: “This is an excellent example of partnership working where the police and South Ayrshire Council have engaged with members of the local community, listened to their concerns and implemented plans through a local problem solving group.

“Officers from the community policing team at Prestwick have dedicated much of their time to deal with issues at the Oval and, alongside our partners, are thoroughly deserving of this award.”

Diversionary projects included athletics, BMX biking and even a football tournament.

Chief inspector Sweeney added: “By participating in initiatives like football or athletics, young people are generally less likely to get into trouble.

“They offer the opportunity for police to engage with young people to warn them of the dangers involved and the consequences of youth disorder.”

And it’s not the first time that the Oval project has been praised.

For justice minister Kenny MacAskill visited it last year to see for himself the success of the team effort.

PC Robert McMeeking is one of those involved in the initiative.

He explained: “The project involved a lot of hard work by both police officers and partner agencies and achieved what it set out to do.

“It is nice to get recognition from two independent bodies, having already achieved a bronze certificate at this year’s COSLA (the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities) Excellence Awards.

“Mr MacAskill made a point of coming over and speaking to us at the ceremony, remembering his visit to Prestwick Oval last year.

“He told us he was pleased to see our excellent work and success recognised.

“It was nice of Mr MacAskill to do so, given that the room was full of chief constables. He didn’t need to speak to us, but we appreciate that he did.”

And Councillor Nan McFarlane, who is chairman of the Community Safety Partnership, joined PC McMeeking and his colleagues PCs Brian Eaglesham and Peter Sykes at the award ceremony at Tulliallen police college.

She said: “I would like to congratulate everyone involved in this project for their hard work and determination to engage young people in a range of activities during their leisure time.

“This project has been so successful due to the dedication of all the agencies involved and members of the local community who were keen to support it.

“Very importantly, I would like to say thank you to all the young people who took part and through doing so have made a difference to their lives and the lives of others.”