10/09/04 Councillor Tomlinson Helps Throw Out Liberals Wet Zone Plans

Plans for a wet house that could have taken in drunks off the town's streets have been scrapped.

At a meeting this week, the council's alcohol task group voted against the plans after concerns were raised.

Coun Justin Tomlinson (Con, Abbey Meads) said: "We felt there would not be a suitable location where nearby residents would be happy for it to be there.

"It would become a no-go zone and residents, quite rightly, would be up in arms about it.

"There's no point wasting council time when residents wouldn't support it."

But chairman of the task group, Coun Geraldine Robertson (Lib Dem, Freshbrook and Grange Park), who had introduced the idea, said: "I am very disappointed.

"It would have been beneficial if these people had somewhere to go and have the opportunity to gain help if they need it.  Some of these people have had such a dreadful time in life and they have ended up with some serious problems. They are reduced to being on the streets day and night and are not treated with the respect they deserve."

Coun Robertson said that the idea had been floated before. In 2001, an area beneath the Wyvern Theatre was suggested as a possible location for a wet house. But this caused outrage among nearby businesses. Concerns were voiced, petitions were signed and the plans were scrapped.

Coun Tomlinson said the and other Tory and Labour Councillors could not see how the wet house could become a reality. He added the responsibility for street drinkers should fall to the police.

The proposed wet house was one of many recommendations the alcohol task group made. It also looked at problems caused by late night revellers and match day football fans and aims to minimise drink-related incidents in the town centre and reduce fear of crime.

The Alcohol Designated Zone covers the town centre and has been in operation since Novem-ber 2002. Within the zone, police have the power to seize alcohol and arrest people who refuse to stop drinking.

Councillors on the task group have been reviewing the town centre scheme and say retailers and licensees believe it has improved the area.  The number of people arrested for being drunk and disorderly has soared from 150 in 2001 to nearly 300 last year.

Evening Advertiser 10/09/04

This is yet another example where madcap Liberal plans ignore concerns of local residents.  When this idea was last proposed for underneath the Wyvern Theatre, local residents and traders were furious.  Would the Liberals like a wet zone by their house?!!