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Police in Basingstoke are working in partnership with Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council to reduce anti-social behaviour problems that are caused by the consumption of alcohol.
On the evening of Friday, July 6 and Sunday, July 8, officers will be carrying out operations to enforce the newly extended ‘No Alcohol Designated Area.’ In September 2006, Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council first selected the town centre to be a ‘No Alcohol Designated Area’, giving the police powers to address anti-social behaviour related to alcohol. This area has now been extended to include the Holy Ghost Cemetery, Victory Park, Lyford Road Play area, the King George Playing field, the War Memorial Park, Eastrop Park and Whiteditch Playing field, including the play areas. The Brighton Hill centre has also been included. PC Helen Crockford said: "The public do not like to see people with alcohol in public areas such as parks and in particular children’s play areas. This extension of the designated area will enable police and PCSOs to be able to confiscate alcohol from these people in these areas. "Hopefully the knock-on effect will be a reduction of anti-social behaviour and criminal damage which can often be alcohol related." The council’s Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Cllr Harry Robinson, said: "Introduction of this ‘No Alcohol Designated Area’ provides valuable additional powers to our police to deal with alcohol-related disorder and to maintain the town centre as a safe and attractive place. “These measures are not aimed at restricting legal, social drinking in the town, such as in designated areas outside bars and restaurants, but to give us an option to deal with a minority of people who drink to excess and make others’ lives unpleasant. “This isn't about stopping people who want to enjoy a drink - it's about ensuring that everyone can do so in a way which causes minimum of disruption to others." Introduction of the ‘No Alcohol Designated Area’ adds to Basingstoke’s reputation as a safe place in which people can securely enjoy the tremendous range of facilities offered by the town centre. If you would like to report any incidents of anti-social behaviour please use the Single Non-Emergency Number, 101. In an emergency always dial 999.
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