COUNCILLORS are meeting to discuss plans to ban public drinking in parts of north Durham.
Durham County Council wants to introduce several alcohol-free zones in and around Stanley .
It is hoped the move will help tackle underage drinking and anti social behaviour Areas affected include Stanley town centre, part of South Moor, Hollyhill Gardens and the surrounding streets of South Stanley, Annfield Plain, New Kyo and Catchgate.
A report for councillors has been prepared by Rachael Shimmin, corporate director of Children and Adults Services Councillor Lucy Hovvels, the cabinet member for Safer and Healthier Communities.
It says: “Each of the above areas has experienced long-standing problems of rowdy behaviour and general nuisance caused by gatherings of both adults and minors. “Longstanding problems identified within the strategic assessment include significant levels of criminal damage and anti social behaviour, with alcohol identified as a significant and persistent aggravating factor.”
The proposed Designated Public Places Order follows a request by the Stanley Local Multi Agency Problem Solving Group, which is made up of the council, police, fire service and health authority.
A meeting of the council’s area general licensing sub-committee is being held in the council chamber at Spennymoor on Wednesday at 2pm.
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