ALCOHOL control zones are coming into force across large swathes of Poole giving police extra power to crack down on problem behaviour.

A large zone blankets Poole Park, Old Town, the Quay and Longfleet areas and a second covers Ashley Cross.

Within them, officers will have the power to seize alcohol and stop people drinking – or arrest them if they fail to comply. They could then be hit with a £500 fine.

The move is a welcome result for campaigners from Old Town and the lower end of the High Street who began a high profile campaign for action back in 2009.

Then traders and residents told the Echo they were sick of continual problems with drinking-related, anti-social behaviour including urinating in public, vandalism, fights and intimidation.

In early 2010 they aired their grievances to police at a packed public meeting. This resulted in increased police patrols and greater reporting of problems.

Linda Mundle of Reel Time amusement arcade on the High Street told the Echo: “I’m just so pleased and excited. I never gave up – I have just nagged people day after day.”

As well as thanking the police safer neighbourhood team she added: “The traders and residents have done their part being vigilant in reporting the incidents which meant the evidence was there to get the order put in place.”

She added: “Hopefully, it will put Old Town Poole back on the map for the right reasons.”

Ward councillor Chris Wilson said she was delighted by the measure: “It has to be a positive move for the town and the High Street,” she added.

“The High Street, the Quay – it’s a nice place to be. We don’t want the street drinkers here ruining it for everybody else.”

Sergeant David Parr of the Poole south safer neighbourhood team stressed it was not a ban but a discretionary power to help them “nip it in the bud” before street drinkers became a problem.

He added: “The town has had enough and we needed to do something. We will try and help people who are addicted to alcohol and direct them towards services if they want that help.”

Cllr Xena Dion, cabinet portfolio holder for local economy, Borough of Poole, said: “These orders should in no way discourage or restrict people’s freedom to drink in a responsible manner. “We are responding to requests from Dorset Police to help them to deal more effectively with the small minority of people who cannot drink responsibly and display anti-social behaviour.”

Dorset Police and the council have implemented the order to deal with alcohol-related anti-social behaviour. It will not impact people drinking responsibly.

Public have been consulted


A public consultation was carried out earlier this year via police safer neighbourhood teams and local area committees. The area was extended to cover Poole Park following this consultation. There were no objections to the orders being made. They were approved by Borough of Poole full council in July and come into force on September 1.