| Underage Drinking in Watermills Park Andover |
| The issue: |
Dear Sir George
You may have seen my letter published in yesterdays Andover Advertiser 14/03/2008.
I have lived in Watermills Close for over 20 years and over the last three years the residents of the Close have had to put up with regular underage drinkers converging on the park.
Last night once again a large group of children were in the park and the police were again called by several residents.
This morning I took the dog out to find that the tarmac area for Basket ball and Football was covered in broken glass and empty beer cans.
I have reported this to Test valley on the phone this am, as it is a danger to children and dogs, but it will not be cleared until Monday at the earliest.
I personally spent 30 minutes clearing it up, this is a regular occurence,I was hartened to see that Asda have now joined in with the other supermarkets in suppling alcohol to underage drinkers!
I know this to be true as they had left the till receipts in the bags which I collected.
The police response is too little too late, they need to stop the children coming onto the field with the drink in the first place, not arriving after they have been there for several hours and when we have had too phone them.
Why are they not doing regular spot checks, say every hour to disencourage the children from the park?
If this is happening now I do worry about the summer.
I am going to write also to the council and the Police officer in charge.
I wonder what your thoughts are on this and do you have any other suggestions of whom else I can contact?
Thank you.
Mrs Kim Nott |
| Date Issue Raised: |
15 Mar 2008 |
| My response: |
Dear Mrs Knott
Many thanks for the email, and of course I understand the problem.
Below is a press release put out by TVBC which, if they do as proposed, may help tackle the nuisance you describe.
Best wishes, George Young
14 March 2008
Council asks for comments on public place order
In October 2007, the Executive recommended that an order aimed at tackling alcohol-related anti-social behaviour should be extended across the borough – and now the Council is giving residents the chance to comment on the proposals.
A Designated Public Place Order (DPPO) already covers Andover Town Centre and the police have found it useful in tackling alcohol related crime and anti-social behaviour. After an initial review, thirteen other wards in Test Valley were identified as areas that could benefit if a DPPO was implemented.
Councillor Sandra Hawke, Portfolio Holder for Housing and Community Services said “Test Valley is a very safe place to live but we do recognise that the minority who behave in an anti-social way whilst drinking can really affect the quality of life for our community. We want residents to be confident in the knowledge that we have done everything possible to make them feel safe. I very much hope that residents, businesses and licensees will support this order which will help to address any concerns the community has about alcohol related crime and disorder”
The Designated Public Places Order (DPPO) gives not only the Police but also other accredited persons, such as Neighbourhood Wardens, the power to confiscate alcohol from anyone found to be behaving in an anti-social way whilst drinking. The extended order would not prevent consumption of alcohol but would make it an offence to continue to do so after being told to stop by a police officer, which could result in a court appearance and a £500 fine.
Responses to the consultation should be sent in writing to Test Valley Borough Council before the 18 April 2008. Please address any response to David Smith, Housing and Community Services, Test Valley Borough Council, Beech Hurst Weyhill Road, Andover SP10 3AJ
Ends.
For further information please contact David Smith, Neighbourhood Warden Manager at Test Valley Borough Council on 01264 368640 or email dsmith@testvalley.gov.uk
Notes to Editors
1. It is proposed to extend the DPPO to the following wards in Test Valley;
• Romsey (Abbey, Cupernham and Tadburn)
• Romsey Extra
• North Baddesley
• Valley Park
• Chilworth,
• Nursling and Rownhams
• Andover (Alamein, Harroway, Millway, Winton, St Mary’s)
• Charlton
2. For more information please visit www.testvalley.gov.uk/community
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Sir George Young Bt MP: Constituency and Parliamentary Website