Booze ban called for in inner-city suburb

12.00.00am GMT Mon 12th Mar 2007

Concerned residents in inner-city West Leeds have called for a booze ban to combat anti-social behaviour in their area.

Residents of Hanover Square, Woodhouse Square, Blenheim Square and Little London have canvassed local councillors about the possibility of a drinking ban being introduced, similar to the DPPO (Designated Public Places Order) currently in place in nearby Headingley.

Hyde Park & Woodhouse councillors Kabeer Hussain and Linda Rhodes-Clayton have backed calls for the ban and explained why it was needed.

Councillor Kabeer Hussain (Hyde Park & Woodhouse) said, "Last summer there were problems with street drinkers in Hanover Square, Woodhouse Square, Blenheim Square and parts of Little London. Whilst we must be careful not to tar all the drinkers with the same brush, there were unfortunately repeated incidents of public nuisance, annoyance and disorder.

"A DPPO is a very practical step to reduce this kind of anti-social behaviour. It gives the police the tools that they need to intervene early to keep people and property safe. The police would be able to seize alcohol prior to offences occurring in an effort to reduce crime and the fear of crime within these communities.

"As ward members both Cllr Rhodes-Clayton and I are committed to reducing crime and the fear of crime. We would therefore wholeheartedly support any measures such as a DPPO that reduce anti-social behaviour and crime to make people feel safer within the areas they live.

"I am urging the council and the North West Inner Area Committee to consider a drinking ban a top priority as the warm weather is approaching and we do not want a repeat of last year's problems."