Archived press release

Date Published: 23/04/08

Residents and businesses in Aylesbury and Buckingham are being invited to give their views on the issue of alcohol-related anti-social behaviour.

Aylesbury Vale District Council today (23 April) begins a formal consultation on whether to adopt new powers which would stop people from drinking in public if there is a risk of disorder occurring.

The council is considering a proposal to use its power to introduce Designated Public Place Orders (DPPOs) in parts of Aylesbury and Buckingham. DPPOs create an area where problems of anti-social drinking in public places can be dealt with by the police, giving them additional powers to stop people drinking straight away and confiscate their alcohol.

Drinking in itself will not be an offence, only failure to comply with authorised officers’ instructions.

The aim of the new power would be to allow the police to intervene earlier in situations before they get out of hand and lead to crime or disorder taking place.

Each of the areas suggested by AVDC and Thames Valley Police is supported by evidence of an existing problem.

Councillor Pam Pearce, AVDC Cabinet Member for Community Matters, said: “Designated Public Place Orders have been very successful in other areas to help address alcohol-related anti-social behaviour and the council has worked closely with Thames Valley Police to develop these proposals. This is not an attempt to stop people enjoying a drink but to try to ensure that they drink responsibly. We want to stop that small minority of people who seem intent on disturbing everyone else by their unacceptable behaviour. This sends a clear message that we won’t tolerate anti-social behaviour in Aylesbury Vale.”

Acting Chief Inspector for Aylesbury Vale local policing area, Steve Williams, said: “This initiative will allow local officers in Aylesbury and Buckingham to intervene and tackle issues surrounding anti-social behaviour. The real positives and benefits associated to this are that we can intervene at an early stage to prevent situations escalating and becoming bigger issues for the community. It is about stopping small groups who are intent on disturbing our quality of life. I would urge residents to take this opportunity to consider these proposals.”

Residents and businesses are invited to let the council know whether they feel the orders will be helpful and whether the proposed areas cover the right places. The closing date for responses is 14 May.

If the council decides to go ahead with the proposals, the designation orders are likely to come into force in the summer.

Copies of the draft order and maps and street lists of the areas to be covered are available to view on the council’s website and at the council’s 66 High Street offices in Aylesbury.

Residents can respond to the consultation by emailing dppo@aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk or by writing to David Smedley, Head of Environment Services, 66 High Street, Aylesbury, HP20 1SD.

Aylesbury Vale District Council proposes to introduce DPPOs to cover the areas listed below:

Aylesbury: Alfred Rose Park; Bateman Drive; Bedgrove Park and Spinney; Carlton Close; Aylesbury Cemetery; Dunsham Park; The Coppice; Cottesloe open space; Denby Walk and Victoria Park; Blackwater Drive open space; Edinburgh and Walton Court playing fields; Walton Court Centre; Elm Green; Haddington Way; Haydon Hill; Riverside Walk; Bowlers Field; Oakfield Road; Vale Park; Sommerville Way; Simpson Place; Waivers Way and Whitehill.

Buckingham: Badgers Estate; Overn Avenue; and Cornwalls Meadow