Extension for booze clampdown zone up for council discussion

Wakefield Council will consider extending it at a meeting on Wednesday. An original order was introduced in the town centre in November 2008 to tackle anti-social drinking in public places.

The new zone would join onto the Southgate boundary of the existing zone to the south of the town centre and would give police enhanced powers to deal with the problem which can blight communities.

Coun Olivia Rowley, the authority's cabinet member with responsibility for communities said: "People who were drinking in public places were causing a real nuisance in Pontefract town centre.

"The original order has proved a success with a 22 per cent reduction in alcohol related anti-social behaviour, helping to improve the lives of local residents and businesses trying to make a living in the town centre.

"Following feedback and further consultation we are now looking at extending the exclusion zone to cover Valley Gardens Park and the hospital grounds. We've received a great deal of support for the order so I hope we will see this report approved at council," Coun Rowley added.

If the move is backed, the council will publish a notice identifying the areas proposed for the order – the order cannot be made until at least 28 days after the publication of the notice.

It is recommended that the new zone will cover three areas: 1: within Southgate, Mill Hill Road, Dark Lane, Mayor's Walk, Friarwood Lane and Slutwell Lane; 2: within Mayor's Walk, Carleton Glen and Mayor's Walk Avenue; 3: the hospital area within Friarwood Lane, Friarwood Terrace and Grove Road.

Residents asked that the road at the back of Spring Bank was not included so they were able to continue with occasional street parties.

The current alcohol exclusion zone covers the area within Southgate, Jubilee Way, Front Street, Stuart Road, Trinity Street and Horsefair.

If anyone witnesses anti-social behaviour they can contact Wakefield Council on 0845 8 506 506 or report it online by visiting www.wakefield.gov.uk or call the police in a non-emergency on 0845 6060606.