Young drinkers to be cleared from Shropshire parks

Plans to clamp down on under-age drinking at five of Shropshire's public parks have been given £90,000 by the Government.

Shropshire Council is one of 10 authorities to share in a £1 million fund set up to curb anti-social behaviour caused by under-age drinking.

The Quarry in Shrewsbury, Cae Glas Park in Oswestry, Jubilee Park in Whitchurch, Crown Meadow in Bridgnorth and Ludlow's Wheeler Road park, are included.

The scheme will be led by the Shropshire Safer Stronger Communities Board, who will work with police, trading standards and shopkeepers to crack down on under-age drinking.

Measures to be taken include confiscating alcohol from minors, tackling proxy buying – the practice of over-18s buying alcohol for youngsters – and setting up activities in each park that will give youngsters an alternative to drinking.

Councillor Steve Charmley, cabinet member for public protection, today welcomed the news.

He said: "This funding is great news and gives us an opportunity to build on the success of the work by the police and partner organisations that's already taking place to tackle under-age drinking in Shropshire.

"While work to date from the police, councils and partners has had an impact on under-age drinking and anti-social behaviour in Shropshire, there is always more that can be done to provide positive activities for young people.

"We can now start working through the details of how this money can really make a positive difference in these areas."

The Government scheme has been spearheaded by Baroness Newlove, who has campaigned against alcohol-fuelled violence after her husband was kicked to death by teenagers in 2007.

She will work closely with each of the 10 chosen areas.

She said: "In two years these areas will be transformed.

"I intend to support them all the way and ensure others follow their trail-blazing progress."

It is hoped the scheme will lead to a drop in anti-social behaviour as well as hospital admissions due to alcohol consumption.S