No-alcohol zones planned for Craven Arms

Special zones where alcohol is banned could be introduced in Craven Arms as a response to complaints from townsfolk about problems with anti-social behaviour.

But police representatives have urged people to report any incidents so they can take action.

Councillor Clive Leworthy, chairman of Craven Arms Town Council, speaking at a meeting of Craven Arms and Rural local joint committee last night, said: "Several residents in Craven Arms have raised the issue of youths congregating on the corner of Corvedale Road with a lot of anti-social behaviour, littering and generally making a nuisance."

Julia St John Martin, the community support officer for Craven Arms, said she patrols the area, but added: "We need evidence, that's the main thing. If you look at it from the computer's point of view, which is where the statistics are, Craven Arms doesn't have any problems.

"If it gets reported, we could work with councillors to get a designated non- drinking area, which would allow us to take alcohol off people over 18.

"We already have that for under 18s, but they give it to the over 18s."

A non-drinking zone gives police the power to take alcohol off people if they are causing problems. It could apply to a whole street or a defined area.

"At the moment, if I came across a 19-year-old drinking, I can't do anything about it, because he's over the drinking age."

She said it was not necessary for a crime to be taking place, but people should report incidents if they were affecting their quality of life.