Action taken on anti-social behaviour

The Council and the police have received numerous complaints about people gathering in a shelter in Church Street to drink alcohol, and the associated anti-social behaviour.

Benches from the shelter have now been removed to deter drinkers from gathering there. A Designated Public Places Order (DPPO) is in force in Cannock town centre which bans the drinking of alcohol in public places. A sign has been installed at the shelter to remind people of this and the area - and the rest of the town centre - is also being monitored by CCTV. Police will always take action if the DPPO is breached.

Cllr Mike Holder, Cannock Chase Council Crime and Partnerships Leader, said: "We've worked with the police to tackle the issues of anti-social behaviour at this location in Cannock town centre. It is not acceptable for a small minority of people to cause a real nuisance for shoppers and visitors and the police will be taking action if they are seen drinking in public in Cannock town centre."

Cllr Diane Todd, Cannock Chase Council Town Centre Regeneration Leader, said: "I hope this action sends a clear message that anti-social behaviour and drinking in public will not be tolerated in any of our town centres."

Inspector Chris Ellerton from Cannock Chase Local Policing Team (LPT) said: "We continue to work closely with Cannock Chase Council and other partners to tackle anti-social behaviour and alcohol-related disorder in the town centre. We are continuing to achieve considerable reductions in anti-social behaviour year on year across the district. Initiatives like this display our commitment to making the town centre even safer for local residents and visitors."

Picture: PC 5660 Yvonne Shorto, ASB officer for Cannock Chase LPT, with Cllr Mike Holder and Cllr Diane Todd at the shelter in Church Street, Cannock