Alcohol Ban?

I have received a set of minutes from the Coppice Farm Open Space Meeting that was held on the 26th January 2004 in New Invention Community Rooms . It confirms that Walsall MBC are to seek an Alcohol Ban on the Open Space.

The Meeting called for evidence to be gathered by residents and officials and contact with the police was encouraged when alcohol on the site was apparent.

Councillor Phil Bateman said today " This is a clear indication by Walsall Officials that they are considering taking out an alcohol ban on this piece of open space. Recently the Leader of Wolverhampton City Council indicated that the City would consider such a ban in public spaces if West Midlands Police would pledge to support such proposals.

Last week a very well attended public meeting of Ashmore Park Police Liaison Committee re-affirmed their commitment to seeing an alcohol ban introduced on parts of Ashmore Park and the public open space at Coppice Farm.

With such intense public interest in this issue there is a need now for West Midlands Police to make clear publicly what their intention is on this matter? It seems to me that if the Police give a clear and firm undertaking that they will enforce any sought after legislation. The two Authorities will seek a ban very quickly.

As City Leader Councillor Roger Lawrence has indicated Wolverhampton City Councils position. I see nothing but pressure now on the West Midlands Police. A definitive statement is required by the Police Commander as to how the Police will respond if a banning order is sought?

In the mean-time there is a large Community Conference being organised at the Wolverhampton Science Park on February 28th 10.00am 4.00pm organised by the Wolverhampton Mediation Service. If you are a local resident and you want to attend contact 01902 552792."