Councillors set to ban street boozing

Ruling councillors in Telford & Wrekin are next week expected to approve new powers which have been designed to crack down on street drinking and alcohol misuse in Dawley.

The move would see the establishment of a Designated Public Places Order (DPPO) in Dawley which would give police the power to stop people drinking alcohol in the street immediately if their behaviour is offensive or anti-social.

Anyone breaching the regulations could face arrest, a fixed penalty, or be brought before a court and fined up to £500.

Members of Telford & Wrekin Council's cabinet are set to back the making of the order when they meet next Tuesday.

The powers do not mean a complete alcohol ban and would not affect outdoor drinking in beer gardens or during authorised public entertainment events.

A hefty 94 per cent of residents, pub landlords, police officers, shopkeepers and parish councillors quizzed in a survey by the council said they would support a DPPO.

Councillor Jacqui Seymour, cabinet member for adult and consumer care, said: "The introduction of a DPPO is a clear indication Telford & Wrekin Council is committed to stamping out alcohol-fuelled anti-social behaviour in Dawley Magna ward.

"While crime levels remain relatively low in Dawley, the public consultation has highlighted street drinking to be one of the main concerns of local residents."

The local police team for Dawley also carried out almost 300 face-to-face interviews and found street drinking was one of the major concerns of residents.

The new DPPO, if sanctioned by the cabinet, would then have to be approved by the full council.

It would be reviewed after 12 months to assess its effectiveness and costs.