Craven Arms booze ban could be delayed for eight months

A BOOZE BAN aimed at fighting anti-social behaviour in a south Shropshire town could be delayed for up to eight months - to the despair of councillors.

Local police officers and town councillors in Craven Arms have spent several months working on proposals to introduce an alcohol enforcement zone giving officers the power to confiscate drinks from people causing a disturbance.

But despite more than 300 residents signing petitions in favour of the move, it has emerged that the proposal may not be discussed at Shirehall until next spring.

The news has been met with anger by town councillors, who have insisted they are not prepared to wait so long and have vowed to seek an alternative solution to bring the measures into force.

Under current Shropshire Council policy, designated public place orders can only be discussed and ratified by full council meetings.

Andy Goldsmith, assistant director for public protection at Shropshire Council, told councillors and residents at Tuesday's meeting of Craven Arms Town Council that the issue would not be heard until March or April next year.

At the meeting, police claimed to have received 56 calls from concerned residents during July and August relating to drink-fuelled anti-social behaviour. Previously incidents of graffiti and vandalism have been reported in areas such as the town's railway station and playing fields.

Clive Leworthy, chairman of Craven Arms Town Council, said: "We were not happy about the timescales put forward. We were told it would have to go in front of a full council meeting and they only meet twice a year.

"We are not prepared to wait for between six and eight months, and we are trying to see if powers can be delegated to a licensing committee."

By Peter Kitchen