No alcohol-free zones for Welshpool

Alcohol-free zones will not be introduced in a Powys town despite pleas by residents because incidents have not been reported to the police, it was revealed today.

Welshpool Town Council said the zones would not be enforced because anti-social incidents are not being reported to the police.

Councillors have been calling for new by-laws to be introduced to stop the drinking of alcohol in public places for two years.

Hotspots that were to be targeted included High Street, Broad Street, Severn Street, New Street and Church Street.

But Robert Robinson, council clerk, said today that alcohol bans would not be enforced because of a lack of evidence being given to the police.

He said: "Police and councillors are working together in a bid to stop the problems.

"Complaints of drinking have escalated in the town in recent years but because incidents are not being reported to the police the force doesn't have any records of any problems."

People living in Welshpool are now being encouraged to help clamp down on anti-social behaviour and under-age drinking by reporting incidents to the police.

Superintendent Huw Meredith, of Dyfed-Powys Police, said the force would continue to monitor the problems in the town.

He said: "The implementation of an Alcohol Free Zone in Welshpool has been considered but the implementation of Section 27 of The Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006 now allows officers to direct persons who present a risk of crime and disorder to leave a particular locality.

"The requirement for an Alcohol Free Zone will continue to be reviewed and monitored as necessary."