WE ARE "starting to see action" in tackling anti-social behaviour and trouble hotspots in the Cowdenbeath area.
That's according to local councillor Darren Watt who said a new partnership approach, involving Fife Council, the police, NHS Fife and other emergency services and groups, was beginning to pay off.
They've teamed up to patrol problem areas like Glencraig, the Meedies and Cowdenbeath skatepark, and set up diversion activities and sporting sessions to try and keep the lid on trouble.
Cllr Watt, who last month highlighted a stolen wheelie bin had been set on fire in Cowdenbeath Public Park, said: "The multi-agency group has been pivotal in recent weeks and months, especially with the challenges we've had particularly in Cowdenbeath town itself.
READ MORE: Police focus on hotspots in Cowdenbeath and Glencraig
"The multi-agency approach has been very well received and we're starting to see action."
A report to the Cowdenbeath area committee explained that the multi-agency group, which meets every eight weeks, was set up to "adopt a partnership approach to countering anti-social behaviour and associated criminality in the Cowdenbeath area".
The aim is to support the "individuals and communities with greatest need".
Community manager for the Cowdenbeath area, Anne-Marie Vance, said work had been undertaken to reduce anti-social behaviour at hotspots such as Glencraig, Lochore Meadows - and an underpass leading to the country park - and the skatepark, the World War One memorial and the Men's Shed, all in Cowdenbeath.
READ MORE: Action needed to stop trouble in Cowdenbeath
Her report explained: "The agency group shared patrol rotas to support a greater presence at hotspots and youth engagement took place via our safer communities, Police and communities teams.
"Clued Up and detached workers teamed up to undertake some Friday evening outreach sessions with young people.
"Two 'Pitch Up' sessions took place, one at Cowdenbeath skatepark which included partners from the Fire Brigade, Clued Up, Barnardo’s, Youth Justice and Cowden in the Community, and one at Lochore Meadows."
She added that further prevention projects have been discussed and will be investigated to see if they can run next year.
The report was part of a briefing on the local plan for the Cowdenbeath area 2023-26.
Members heard about progress on its three main priorities - tackling poverty, raising aspirations and community engagement.
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