Streets across north Shropshire are set to be booze free by the summer after the district council revealed plans to establish Alcohol Exclusion Zones.
Ellesmere, Wem, Whitchurch, Market Drayton and Shawbury could be alcohol-free as early as next month following requests from councillors and representatives from Partners and Communities Together meetings (PACT) across the district.
The AEZ will be placed within all 30mph speed limits and will give police the power to take drink away from those in the town and village centres and parks. Those who refuse to co-operate could be issued with penalties under anti-social behaviour laws.
The plans have been drawn up by officials at North Shropshire District Council in conjunction with representatives from the Community Safety Partnership.
Officials from towns and villages involved have submitted evidence to NSDC proving there is a need in their area.
Rian Huxley, a spokesperson for NSDC, said beer gardens and businesses with appropriate alcohol licences would not be affected and in order to implement the zones the need had to be proved.
She said: “The Alcohol Exclusion Zone is for Ellesmere, Wem, Whitchurch, Market Drayton and Shawbury and we are in the process of establishing the signs. It is with our legal teams, we hope for it to be completed by July.”
Geoff Elner, Ellesmere Town Mayor, said: “We’ve been after this for a year.
“I wouldn’t say there is a big problem, but there is a problem in areas of the town where people sit on benches and are drinking.
“Some people feel threatened.”
Peggy Carson, Wem town and district councillor, said she and her fellow councillors welcomed the exclusion zone as it could stop youngsters drinking on the town’s recreation ground.
She believes it would also help keep Wem tidier.
West Mercia Police, Whitchurch Town Council and Shawbury Parish Council made no comment as the Chronicle went to press.
