As councillors we receive updates on certain information in the county. The regular report on Alcohol Harm Reduction makes interesting reading. As a county we have a serious problem with alcohol related issues including health and anti-social behaviour to name just two.

This report gives some information about what is being done. alcohol-sdp-newsletter-2010.pdf

The recent crackdown in the Framwellgate Moor Division on outdoor drinking (aimed particularly at underage drinking) illustrated the seriousness of the problem with the police working with council wardens carrying out an exercise to try and tackle these problems, including specific attention to helping and educating young people and making sure parents were aware of the problems.

I am continuing to work with the police and council to push for more such action which has a very positive impact in reducing anti-social behaviour and helping reduce the knock on problems related to underage drinking.

I have been pushing for more test purchases, and the recent test purchases of alcohol came back with all local outlets selling alcohol passing the test which was good news.

The report shows that a lot is being done across the county to tackle these issues. Come along to the next Police and Communities Meeting on Sept 16th in Framwellgate Moor at the Community Centre on Front St if you are interested in local priorities (Including Pity Me and Brasside).

For Witton Gilbert the next meeting is at Fyndoune Community Centre on 15th Sept, time not set yet, and for Bearpark I will post the date when it is available.

Alternatively you can let me know what you feel needs prioritising and I will feed this through to the police.