Press release 6 June 2008

People living near Linton Road in Castle Gresley complained about badly behaved adults.

Now it can be stopped.

At its meeting on 3 June the Environmental and Development Services Committee approved the first designated public place order (DPPO) in South Derbyshire.

Says Cllr Heather Wheeler, Leader of South Derbyshire District Council and Chairman of the Safer South Derbyshire Partnership, "Local residents felt intimidated by rowdy adults, knocking back alcohol. They were so concerned that it sometimes prevented them using the shops there. We will not allow this to happen in South Derbyshire.

"By we, I mean the people who complained at the Safer Neighbourhood Meetings, local shopkeepers where the drunks hung around, families and children who didn’t want to go to Arthur Street recreation area because of broken bottles, Castle Gresley Parish Council, the Safer Neighbourhood Team of the beat officers, police community support officers, Safer Neighourhood Wardens, the Safer South Derbyshire Partnership and South Derbyshire District Council. That’s a lot of people working together to make life better. It took time to gather the evidence to prove that a DPPO was needed and we have proved our case. Through the Council’s legal powers to implement this designated public place order, the police can stop people drinking in this area by confiscating alcohol. Many voices, one intent. To reduce the fear of crime."

Signs will now be put up in the designated area and the drinking can be stopped.

Cllr Heather Wheeler continues, "This is a case of adults behaving badly where you need a DPPO to confiscate drink. We already have powers to stop people under 18 drinking and to stop people giving youngsters drink. Anyone in South Derbyshire who is concerned about those few people who try to spoil our society because of drink should speak up at the Safer South Derbyshire meeting, talk to their Safer Neighbourhood team when they are out on the beat or call our anti-social behaviour hotline on 01283 595795 or by emailing communitysafety@south-derbys.gov.uk"