Public boozing ban on way for villagers
Plans to turn a village between Cannock and Wolverhampton into an alcohol-free zone in a bid to clamp down on anti-social behaviour and under-age drinking today took a step closer to reality.
Plans to turn a village between Cannock and Wolverhampton into an alcohol-free zone in a bid to clamp down on anti-social behaviour and under-age drinking today took a step closer to reality.
Councillors in Essington, in South Staffordshire, have given the nod for a blanket booze ban to be introduced, and a public consultation has now been launched. Following the consultation period, the proposals will be sent to South Staffordshire District Council for the final decision.
If given the go-ahead, it would mean alcohol could only be drunk in the village in either private homes or in licensed establishments such as pubs and clubs.
Anyone caught consuming alcohol on the streets or in public places would face confiscation or on-the-spot fines.
District and parish councillor David Clifft, chairman of Essington Parish Council, said: "We have had problems with gangs of youths drinking on the streets at night and this would give police greater power to handle that nuisance.
"Sometimes you can get up to 40 teenagers, both boys and girls, aged anywhere between 14 and 17, walking about drunk, shouting, littering, disturbing residents up to one o'clock in the morning, and that's not acceptable.
He said councillors were considering introducing the ban in a bid to nip the problem in the bud before it gets any worse.
Council bosses and police have drawn up a list of problem areas notorious for attracting gangs of loitering youths, including the former Park House site, in New Street, surrounding roads and Brownshore Pools fishing waters.
It is believed the scheme could cost around £3,000 to implement and could be put in place as soon as next spring.
A alcohol ban in neighbouring Cheslyn Hay has already been hailed a success at driving down low level anti-social behaviour, and police have offered their support for the scheme in Essington.
Staffordshire Police said today that the plan would probably be backed by the force.
"This is a council decision, but it is something we would be likely to support," said spokeswoman Carol Evans.
