£90,000 bid to tackle under-age drinking
A new £90,000 scheme to tackle under-age drinking in two villages near Shrewsbury will be launched next month, it has been revealed.
Young people who live in the villages of Minsterley and Pontesbury will be worked with as the new Community Alcohol Partnership is set up from May 1.
It is part of a countywide bid to reduce crime, anti-social behaviour and harm caused by under-age drinking through providing youth activities, alcohol education and enforcement.
The initiative has been given the go ahead thanks to Government funding of £90,000 over two years – £45,000 per year.
Members of the new partnership include Shropshire Council, Pontesbury Parish Council, Minsterley Parish Council, West Mercia Police, The Co-op, Severnside Housing and Mary Webb School.
The scheme will focus on training for owners and staff of places selling alcohol, promoting the project around the area, looking at the provision for youth work on Friday and Saturday nights and finding ideas and activities for under 18s.
It will also provide parents with information and support to help them understand the impact of alcohol on underage drinkers and encourage families to talk about the issue.
Louise Money, a coordinator for the Minsterley and Pontesbury Community Alcohol Partnership, said: "Our community alcohol partnership is committed to work with residents and retailers to reduce the incidents of anti-social behaviour and increase awareness about the risks associated with underage drinking.
"As part of our work we will be conducting a youth alcohol perception survey in Mary Webb School.
"The outcomes of this survey will highlight local priorities and help provide direction to the project."
The partnership will be at the Rea Valley Local Produce Market at Minsterley Parish Hall on May 12, and the Pontesbury Church Fete on June 8.
Residents and interested groups are invited to find out about the work of M&P-CAP, and ask questions or get advice on any concerns they have around under-age drinking and associated anti-social behaviour in the area.
For more information about the scheme and information on how people can get involved in the initiative call Louise on (01743) 256110.
