Zero tolerance approach to alcohol in Wirral parks brings fantastic results

Aug 13 2008 by Sue McCann, Birkenhead News

A ZERO-tolerance approach to alcohol in Wirral’s parks has resulted in around 120 stop checks and almost 40 alcohol seizures in just one week.

The findings are based on Merseyside Police data from July 23-29, with around 600 alcohol seizures occurring across Merseyside during the same period.

The alcohol clampdown is part of the summer Safespace campaign, with police stepping up litmus testing and test purchasing as well as engaging with young people together with other partners in the initiative to bring down levels of drink-related problems.

Safespace is a two-month long project which aims to make parks safer and more welcoming places to visit. During the campaign, a host of activities is taking place to encourage the responsible use of parks and open spaces.

Police will be stepping up patrols in Central Park in Wallasey, Birkenhead Park and Victoria Park in Tranmere.

Assistant Chief Constable Simon Byrne said: “This summer, we want everyone, young and old, to get out into their local parks and enjoy them to their fullest potential.

“The minority of park users who bring alcohol with them can ruin the experience for everyone else, so we are using a range of techniques to ensure that this doesn’t happen.

“The level of seizures illustrates that alcohol consumption in parks will not be tolerated.

“Last year, the inaugural SafeSpace campaign had a significant impact on crime figures in parks, and this year we’re already seeing a further drop in crime levels and we are only three weeks into the campaign.”