Castle Morpeth Borough Council Take on the Fight Against Anti-Social Behaviour

9.00.46am GMT Tue 26th Feb 2008

CMBC crime and disorder partnership have begun a consultation period with the Public, License holders, Town and Parish Councils and other interested parties about the introduction of DPPO's (Designated Public Place Orders).

The criminal Justice and Police act 2001 sec 12-16 gave local authorities the power to designate areas of public space, where the drinking of alcohol is prohibited, to restrict anti-social behaviour. If a DPPO is in place the Police have the power to request a person within this area not to drink and to surrender any alcohol in their possession. This will be an offence with the power of arrest.

The DPPO's are aimed at early intervention. If there is a risk of alcohol related anti-social behaviour the DPPO can be used before any criminal offences occur. The DPPO does not stop people from drinking in a public space, but does allow for preventative measures to be taken.

The two proposed trial areas would be Castle Morpeth and Ponteland as these areas have the recorded instances alcohol related instances. The consultation period is for 6 weeks when the conclusions will be reported to CMBC.