Alcohol crackdown debate to start

4:19pm Friday 9th May 2008

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MEASURES to curb alcohol-fuelled anti-social behaviour in Chippenham could come into effect this summer.

A public consultation period to determine whether residents would welcome a Designated Public Places Order (DPPO) will begin next week.

But Chippenham Town Council and Wiltshire Police disagree over whether the order, which gives police extra powers to seize alcohol and move on troublemakers, is needed.

Town council leader Andrew Noblet said the council was against the order, which is being progressed by North Wiltshire District Council, and he personally felt it could evoke unnecessary fears over safety in the town, rather than ease them.

Cllr Noblet said the DPPO was unnecessary when there were already powers in place to deal with underage drinkers and people causing trouble.

He said: "Chippenham Town Council did not reject the idea of a DPPO for Chippenham.

"The council queries the ability of the police service to enforce this order over the whole town, a key condition set by the Home Office for implementing such orders.

"In any case the order would cover Cepen Park, which is not in Chippenham.

"I have noted that Trowbridge have a DPPO in specific areas of the town arranged and paid for by West Wiltshire District Council.

"As far as I am concerned partnership working means that people work together and alongside each other.

"The police may think DPPOs are a good idea but to convince the lawyers at North Wiltshire District Council of this and then demand the town council pay is not partnership."

Costs for the order would include an estimated £1,847 for 300 street signs and 10 signs for the main roads through the town, as well as newspaper adverts.

Cllr Noblet said crime figures did not support the need for a DPPO.

But Sergeant Martin Alvis, of Chippenham police, said they had received only positive feedback from people in the town over the order.

He said both businesses and residents had shown great support for the DPPO.

"I want to emphasise that this order would be used at our discretion and would not be something that stops people enjoying a drink outside a pub or on a picnic," he said.

"From the police point of view we approached Chippenham Town Council and they decided they didn't want to support it at this time.

"We then approached North Wiltshire District Council and they were willing to support it and put it through."

When West Wiltshire District Council progressed plans for a DPPO, police produced a catalogue of anti-social drink-related incidents, mostly focusing on the town park, to support the application.

The DPPO issue will be referred back to Chippenham Town Council's strategy and resources committee on Wednesday.