Council Considers Drink Controls for Town Centre

Eastleigh is looking to take a robust stance on drinking alcohol in public places in its town centre.

The Borough Council is proposing to introduce special controls for an area that would include Leigh Road Recreation Ground, the town’s shopping streets including the Swan Centre plus public car parks.

If a Designated Public Places Order is introduced a police officer, Police Community Support Officer or Accredited Community Safety Officer would have the power to tell somebody to stop drinking and to confiscate any drink.  Anyone refusing to co-operate can be arrested and fined.

But before going ahead, the Council is asking residents and businesses what they think of the idea as Chair of the Eastleigh Local Area Committee, Chris Thomas explains, “The Council is aware of concerns from the town’s residents, retailers and visitors about anti-social behaviour fuelled by alcohol.  One way of addressing what can be a distressing problem for many people is to designate an area where drinking in public places, including roads, parks, car parks and arcades, is prohibited and this could be introduced by January 2009.  However, before introducing any restrictions we want people’s views”.

A leaflet about the possible controls is being distributed to 350 homes and businesses in and close to the proposed control area.

To find out more visit www.eastleigh.gov.uk/dppo,

email towncentre@eastleigh.gov.uk

or

write to the Council at the Civic Offices, Leigh Road, Eastleigh  SO50 9YN.