12/04/2013 - Permalink

New community alcohol partnership to be launched in Minsterley and Pontesbury

Related topics: Community

A new Community Alcohol Partnership in Minsterley and Pontesbury to help tackle underage drinking and associated anti-social behaviour will be launched on Wednesday 1 May 2013. 

The Minsterley and Pontesbury Community Alcohol Partnership (M&P-CAP) is one of several CAP groups set up as part of a countywide scheme to tackle underage drinking in Shropshire, and will be working with young people and residents around the Minsterley and Pontesbury area. The countywide scheme has been developed thanks to funding of £90,000 over 2 years (£45,000 per year) through the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG). 

Community Alcohol Partnerships bring together organisations to reduce crime, anti-social behaviour and harm caused by underage drinking through providing youth activities, alcohol education and enforcement. 

Members of the M&P-CAP include:

  • Shropshire Council
  • Pontesbury Parish Council
  • Minsterley Parish Council
  • West Mercia Police
  • The Co-op
  • Severnside Housing
  • Mary Webb School. 

It is anticipated that, as the project develops, other agencies or groups will join the partnership.  M&P-CAP will be focusing on projects including:

  • Challenge 25 training for owners and staff of places which sell alcohol.  The training will be given by the Co-Op, the partnership’s lead retailer
  • Promoting the project around the area
  • Looking at the provision for youth work in the area to provide outreach work on Friday and Saturday nights.  Seeking out new ideas and activities for under 18s in the area
  • Engagement with parents to provide information and support to help parents understand the impact of alcohol on under 18s, know the relevant laws about alcohol consumption, and ultimately help parents who have concerns or queries about young people and alcohol.  Thus encouraging parents and children to talk together about alcohol. 

Louise Money, Minsterley and Pontesbury Community Alcohol Partnership Co-ordinator, said:

“Our community alcohol partnership is committed to work with residents and retailers to reduce the incidents of anti-social behaviour and increase awareness about the risks associated with underage drinking. 

“As part of our work we will be conducting a youth alcohol perception survey in Mary Webb School.  The outcomes of this survey will highlight local priorities and help provide direction to the project.” 

The Partnership will be at the Rea Valley Local Produce Market at Minsterley Parish Hall on 12 May, and the Pontesbury Church Fete on 8 June 2013.  Residents and interested groups are invited to find out about the work of M&P-CAP, and ask questions or get advice on any concerns they have around underage drinking and associated anti-social behaviour. 

For more information about the scheme and to get involved contact Louise Money, M&P CAP Co-ordinator, Shropshire Council on 01743 256110. 

If you or someone you know is concerned about anti-social behaviour in your neighbourhood, then please call our ‘ASB report it’ line on 0345 678 9020.  All calls will be treated in confidence.