Police get tough on drinkers

From the archive, first published Wednesday 18th Apr 2007.

Police and residents have clubbed together to crack down on nuisance drinkers in two areas of Skipton.

Following police statistics and complaints from residents, Craven District Council is heading towards introducing alcohol designation orders in Aireville Park and Newmarket Street.

The legislation allows police to take drink away from anyone they suspect of causing a nuisance to others.

It is not a blanket alcohol ban, but it does give police discretionary powers to deal with anti-social drinkers. Failure to comply with an officer's request is punishable with a £500 fine.

Last year the police approached the Council about bringing in the designation orders.

Officers then gathered evidence to support their request for the legislation which showed there were 26 alcohol-related incidents in Aireville Park between 2005 and 2006 and 38 in Newmarket Street between January and November 2006.

The Council has agreed to formally publicise the designation orders.