Plan to beat area drink problem

Authorities will come up with an action plan to beat Telford's booze problem by the new year, they have revealed.

Two recent reports have highlighted the scale and dramatic impact of alcohol in the borough.

They were presented to Telford & Wrekin Council's leaders.

The first was from Dr Catherine Woodward, director of public health for Telford & Wrekin, and the second by the borough's health and care scrutiny commission.

Dr Woodward was so shocked she dedicated her annual report to just one topic for the first time.

It revealed nearly one in five people were classed as "binge drinkers" and about 21,000 had more than "sensible amounts".

The effects of drink cost police in Telford an estimated £2.7 million a year and the Princess Royal Hospital is treating huge numbers of people for booze-related problems.

Cabinet members heard at their meeting last night how the council and other agencies had already started coming up with a dedicated Alcohol Harm Reduction Strategy.

Police, health experts and officials are working together through the Safer and Stronger Communities Partnership and dedicated groups have been set up.

Councillor Denis Allen, member for community services, said the first draft would be ready by the end of December.

He said: "I'm pleased to be able to take forward all the recommendations made in these reports."

Dr Woodward, presenting her report, said there was some evidence the borough hospital had a bigger problem than elsewhere while the research notes the number of 11 to 15 year olds regularly drinking was "significantly higher" than the region.

She urged them to find cash to improve education and early prevention services.