Waveney District Council, with support from the Waveney
Community Safety Partnership and Suffolk Police is asking local
people and organisations for support in their bid to crack down on
drunken behaviour.
A consultation is now underway to
provide police with the power to confiscate alcohol from people who
are causing a nuisance. Local support for this new vision will see
the implementation of a Designated Public Place Order (DPPO) that
will cover the Kirkley and Harbour wards and part of Oulton Broad
and Whitton wards (to include Bridge Road and Nicholas Everitt
Park).
This will not prevent individuals from consuming alcohol but will
make it an offence to continue to do so after being told to stop by
a Police Officer. Those who do not comply could end up in court
facing a £500 fine.
Councillor Mary Rudd, Portfolio Holder for Community Safety said:
"Like many other similar towns, Lowestoft has experienced problems
with a small but significant minority of people that drink to
excess. We intend to implement a Designated Public Place Order in
these areas to ensure that residents and visitors to Lowestoft feel
confident, safe and free to go out and enjoy the town, whatever the
time of day."
She added: "This is also a step in the right direction in helping
reduce the considerable adverse health impact associated with heavy
drinking. I am looking forward to what the consultation will bring
and hope that we have the support of local licensees and
businesses."
The consultation process continues until Monday 6 October 2008 and
is the start of the legal process for the implementation of the
Order. A successful result will be presented to Full Council later
in the year, at which a recommendation to implement the Order will
be made. The Order, if approved, will come into force on 1 March
2009.
Residents and visitors to Lowestoft are invited to make
representations on the proposal. You can comment on any aspect you
like, but suggested issues you might like to address
include:
- Do you agree with the proposal?
- What do you see as the benefits or drawbacks of this
proposal?
- What experience, and/or evidence do you have of crime and
disorder caused by alcohol in Lowestoft?
- If you object to this proposal, do you have any suggestions as
to how we can resolve the problem of alcohol related anti-social
behaviour?
A copy of the draft Order, accompanying maps and a list of roads
affected may be inspected at the Main Reception, Town Hall, High
Street, Lowestoft. The
Order may also be viewed online
It is requested that responses are made in writing and submitted
before the close of the consultation process on Monday 6 October
2008. Waveney District Council will consider all representations
made before this date.
Please post your responses to: Community Safety Officer, Waveney
District Council, Town Hall, High Street, Lowestoft, Suffolk, NR32
1HS. Alternatively, you can email
communitycohesion@waveney.gov.uk