COMMUNITY activists in Rosyth want to crack down on anti-social behaviour in the town by deploying community wardens.

The idea for a Rosyth Community Warden Scheme was outlined at last Tuesday’s meeting of Rosyth Community Council, with those behind the project hoping to work with police officers and be given powers to deal with specific incidents and enforcement.

Jon Harrison, chair of the Rosyth Community Sports Partnership and Rosyth FC, said that if his idea was given the go-ahead volunteers would be recruited, developed and trained by Police Scotland and Fife Council and linked to other support services.

He said, “They could address anti-social behaviour, disorder, public order, dog-fouling or litter, liaise with community groups and the council and have a presence within the community. We could look at other models and develop from them but a suggestion is to try this as a pilot scheme for a minimum of a year, with the time period to begin after start-up. We would also look to establish a ‘Rosyth Community Gateway’ in one of the unoccupied units in the town centre which could be manned by volunteers whilst the wardens are out and about. Inside this gateway could be a place for the public to report issues and make people aware of things which could then be dealt with or passed on.” The proposals would include funding wages through grants and sponsorship from Government and local businesses and the proceeds of crime fund, while they would seek money from fines to be reinvested in Rosyth to help improve the community.

The scheme would see one warden on patrol during the day with at least one volunteer, with two wardens on duty during the evening. Mr Harrison added, “We would contribute to the achievement of the council’s corporate priorities to reduce crime and disorder and maintain a quality environment for communities in Rosyth.”