Ban on alcohol (From Free Press Series)

Ban on alcohol

TOWN councillors are seeking to ban alcohol from Monmouth's Chippenham Fields in an effort to crack down on drink-related vandalism.

At Monday's meeting of the council, members voted in favour of a six-month trial drinking ban, but added that community events like the carnival and jubilee celebrations should be excluded from the legislation.

Councillor Sue Chivers said: "A bylaw would enable more efficient enforcement to be carried out."

Cllr Drewe Lacey said: "We know we have a problem, but should we deny the rights of visitors having picnics?

"What we should insist on is a higher police presence in the area to enable the laws that already exist to be enforced.

"To ban the whole area would be a poor reflection on us as we are a holiday town."

Cllr Lee Robson, who also plays football for the local team on the sports field, said: "We have a big problem here and it will take a sledge hammer to solve this one.

"Perhaps we should introduce a campaign about not being a 'tosser' - to stop people just tossing their bottles and litter aside but to dispose of them properly."

Terry Cleaves, treasurer of Monmouth Sports Association, which includes the town's football, rugby, cricket and bowls clubs, said: "It is not totally the underage drinking that is the problem, it is the disposal of the bottles that is the main issue.

"Laws are already in place to combat underage drinking but consistent enforcement is what is required."

It has been well documented over recent years that fragments of glass often found on the playing surface and it is not uncommon for a referee to stop a match for glass to be picked up.

"At least the town council has started proceedings to introduce a by-law as something has to be done to solve the problem," added Mr Cleaves.

"But I do feel the proposals are rather draconian. I would rather see a clamp-down on off licences and other retailers to prevent underage drinking and the implementation of more bins that are regularly emptied."