17th January 2007
| Wath town centre designated as Alcohol Exclusion Zone |  |
Local MP, John Healey and local Councillor, Alan Gosling, have today welcomed the news that Rotherham Council have given the go ahead for Wath town centre to be designated as an alcohol exclusion zone following a 2-year campaign.
Mr Healey said:
"I've been working with the local police and councillors to press the case for Wath town centre to be designated as an alcohol exclusion zone for the last 2 years, and I am aware of the problems that local residents and businesses have had to face. This isn't about stopping people who want to enjoy a drink - it's about ensuring that everyone can do so in a way which causes minimum of disruption to others, and I am really pleased that the council have looked at the proposals and moved quickly to introduce these new restrictions."
Local Wath Councillor Alan Gosling has been leading on the campaign with Mr Healey. He said:
"We've been running a campaign over the past two years to convince the police and the council that the centre of Wath should be designated as the first alcohol exclusion zone outside of Rotherham town centre. The decision was taken by the Council's licensing committee yesterday and I hope it will be welcomed by local residents and businesses operating in the town."
Mr Healey went on to say:
"I've now written to the police about their plans for making it clear what these changes will mean and for enforcing the new restrictions. I will also be asking them to remain vigilant about the possible risk that the problem is simply moved elsewhere, which the police are well aware of, and asking them to ensure that this is watched and policed from the outset."
~ ENDS ~
Notes for Editors:
1) This will be the first Alcohol Exclusion Zone for the Borough, outside of Rotherham Town Centre
2) The order will come into force at 00.01 on Thursday, 1st February, 2007
3) The designation of Alcohol Exclusion Zones are made under new powers contained in the Criminal Justice and Police Act 2001
4) For further information please contact, Joanne Wilson, Research Officer to John Healey MP, Tel - (01709) 512463
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