Craven Arms alcohol ban could be in place by Christmas

A scheme to confiscate alcohol from people causing disturbances in a south Shropshire town could be in place by Christmas, it was revealed today.

The plans to combat anti-social behaviour in Craven Arms have been backed by Shropshire Council's bronze tasking group.

A formal consultation has begun with licensees and parish councils. It is hoped the scheme, which would cover the town centre and residential areas, will be in place by Christmas.

Councillors in the town have been campaigning for a designated public places order for several months after a series of incidents of drink-fuelled vandalism and anti-social behaviour ar- ound shops and on playing fields. Police have also backed the plans.

The tasking group, which includes Shropshire Council licensing and community regeneration officers and re- presentatives from housing associations, approved the idea in principle yesterday.

Town council chairman Clive Leworthy said: "I'm very pleased the idea for an alcohol enforcement zone has been approved and it's certainly a step in the right direction. It's good news and it will help to support the police in their efforts to curb anti-social behaviour.

"A statutory consultation will now be launched which will last a minimum of 28 days getting the views of all licensees in the town and people in surrounding par- ishes, such as Wistanstow to the north, Onibury to the south and Sibdon and the Corvedale to the east.

"This would be a blanket zone through the whole town centre and residential areas where alcohol can be confiscated from people of any age who are causing a nuisance. We are still hopeful of getting this in place before Christmas."