A CLAMPDOWN on drinking in the streets could lead to a decrease in anti social behaviour, violence and crime across Frodsham and Helsby.
A new responsible drinking zone which will see the streets and pavements of Frodsham, Helsby, Alvanley and Crowton protected from alcohol-fuelled crime will soon be brought into force by Cheshire Police and Cheshire West and Chester Council.
The new scheme will give local police officers, PCSOs and community safety wardens the power to confiscate alcohol from anyone causing drink-fuelled problems in public – and if they refuse they could be issued with an on the spot £50 fine or be arrested for anti-social behaviour.
The new plans come just one month after a responsible drinking zone was introduced in Chester city centre resulting in a 32% drop in the amount of violent crime over the summer months.
Now the scheme is to be moved into Frodsham after it was revealed that the area has a disproportionate amount of alcohol related anti-social behaviour and nuisance behaviour compared to other areas in the borough.
Councillor Lynn Riley said: “We believe that a Responsible Drinking Zone for the area will be good news for local people and good news for the night time economy in the town and surrounding areas.
“It would not be a criminal offence to drink outside in the designated area however it would be an offence to refuse to comply with a request from a uniformed officer to stop drinking.”
Before the zone can be enforced in the area, CWaC will be consulting with local businesses, licensees, parish councils, residents and police. Formal consultations will take place from tomorrow (Friday) until October 14. Residents are being urged to participate by filling in a form at www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/communitysafety, writing to Cheshire West and Chester Council at Community Safety Team, HQ, 58 Nicholas Street, Chester, or calling 01244 973941.
