Crack down on booze yobs

An Alcohol Control Order is set to come into force in the Deer Park area of Fazeley, near Lichfield, designating it an Alcohol Control Zone, in the near future.

The laws will help to combat rising problems in Fazeley and put a stop to anyone drinking, or being likely to drink, in the zone. The move follows six bad months of low-level crime and drunken behaviour.

County councillor for the area, Matthew Ellis, recently made a presentation to the committee members at a Licensing hearing on why Deer Park needs designating an Alcohol Control Zone.

He said the move follows six bad months of low-level crime and drunken behaviour, which led to local Conservative members carrying out a detailed residents survey on the issue.

And it found that more than 80 per cent of local people felt a public drinking ban was essential to curb bad behaviour.

"Three months ago I was asked to visit the area and see for myself the damage that had been caused by drunken yobs," said Councillor Ellis.

"The talks I had with residents resulted in us carrying out a survey in part of Fazeley.

"What really concerned me greatly was the apparent lack of confidence in the authorities, including the police, to tackle the issue.

"I am absolutely delighted that the licensing panel felt our survey carried enough weight for them to support my request for the Alcohol Control Orders and I also want to thank the police for their support at the hearing.

'This is a real step forward to cracking down on bad behaviour in public places and we have already started a similar survey in Mile Oak."

Councillor Ellis said Lichfield District Council was soon to start a formal consultation of interested parties in the area before the order is made law.

And once the law comes into effect, police will confiscate alcohol from anyone drinking or being likely to drink within the Control Zone.

Extensive new signage explaining the ban will also be put up in the area.