CALLS to police about youth-related anti-social behaviour in and around Prestonpans have fallen.

A group involving police, local councillors and representatives of East Lothian Council and the Pennypit Community Development Trust was formed in December last year.

Known as a Problem Solving Partnership (PSP), it was created with the objective of addressing issues being created by “a small minority” of young people in the Preston/Seton/Gosford ward.

Last month, the group was dissolved following a drop in complaints and the results of a review which showed “the positive engagement and choices of these young people”.

Chief Inspector Jocelyn O’Connor, local area police commander for East Lothian, welcomed the reduction in youth-related anti-social behaviour calls.

She said: “Tackling anti-social behaviour in our local communities is a key priority and we work alongside partners to address the issues raised as we know the impact anti-social behaviour can have.

“The vast majority of our young people do not cause any trouble however there is a small minority who do.

“Partnership working and early intervention has led to a reduction in anti-social behaviour in the area and we will continue to address any concerns people in the community have. I would ask parents and carers to assist us in reducing anti-social behaviour by taking an interest in where their children are, what they are doing, and who they are with.

“I would also ask the local community to aid in this partnership working by reporting any concerns.”

Among the measures taken were an increase in the number of community warden patrols, the deployment of targeted police resources, the installation of portable CCTV cameras and the increased use of the council’s CCTV van.

Extensive engagement with young people via the council’s youth workers and the Pennypit Community Development Trust also took place while ‘diversionary activities’ were also set up.

Enforcement action was also taken against persistent offenders.

The local area partnership’s sub-group, the children and youth network, continues to meet and looks at planning future youth and children’s activities, as well as monitoring individual cases.

Kenneth Black, East Lothian Council’s safer communities team manager, and chairman of the PSP, said: “Anti-social behaviour has to be addressed from a number of different angles and the PSP sought to do that by the taking of early intervention, preventative, diversionary and enforcement steps when necessary.

“It is hoped that this joined-up approach will continue to deliver long-term and primarily preventative solutions to anti-social behaviour.

“It should be noted that the PSPs are temporary in nature and can be revived at any time should the need arise.”

Anti-social behaviour can be reported to East Lothian Council via the anti-social behaviour helpline on 01875 824 307, by e-mailing asb@eastlothian.gov.uk or online at www.eastlothian.gov.uk