TOUGH new powers to curb drinking in one of Hambleton’s market towns came into force this week (March 23).

Areas in Bedale and Aiskew have been made a ‘designated public place’ – controlling the consumption of alcohol and giving police officers the power to seize it.

The order has been made as a result of widespread concerns from residents and businesses about people drinking in the town and surrounding areas. It is hoped that by giving police officers the power to seize any alcohol being consumed in the areas covered, it will reduce alcohol related disorder. Anyone who continues to drink when told not to risks arrest and prosecution.

“We are working with local people to make Bedale and the surrounding area a safer place to live, work and visit,” said PC Lee Featherstone of Bedale Safer Neighbourhood Team.

“We want to encourage people to come to the town and not be put off by alcohol related bad behaviour - we all know the problems that alcohol can cause and this is what the order aims to prevent.

“We have already had huge success with a similar order in Thirsk – people have accepted the conditions now imposed in the town centre and alcohol related disorder has reduced. We look forward to similar success in Bedale.”

Brought into effect by North Yorkshire Police and Hambleton District Council, the order covers Bridge Street Car Park, Auction Mart Car Park, Market Place, Bedale Hall Grounds and Bedale Park, land between Bedale Park and St Gregory’s Church, land around St Gregory’s Church, Burial Association land, Village Green areas around the well and bowling green on Wycar, Sussex Street and South End, Tow Path, The Haven, Bedale Play Park, the alley between 12 and 15 Market Place through to Emgate, Leech House Garden and Kingfisher Park, Aiskew.

The council made the order under the Criminal Justice and Police Act 2001 which allows the authority to designate trouble spots as ‘public places’. There are five other ‘public places’ in Hambleton – on the Applegarth and Bullamoor Parks in Northallerton, High Green in Great Ayton, Cod Beck Reservoir and the adjoining land at Osmotherley, and Thirsk town centre.