Booze ban welcomed

SIR - For years Hatfield has been plagued by youths and adults drinking on the streets and in the town centre as early as 9.30 in the morning, where beer and spirits purchased locally is consumed. The results have been dramatic; fuelling vandalism, anti-s

SIR - For years Hatfield has been plagued by youths and adults drinking on the streets and in the town centre as early as 9.30 in the morning, where beer and spirits purchased locally is consumed.

The results have been dramatic; fuelling vandalism, anti-social behaviour, which, in turn worries residents venturing out after dark.

We now have an order that restricts and bans the drinking of alcohol in a public place within the town and much of the surrounding areas.

Our litter pickers should see a marked improvement along Cavendish Way where students drink and deposit bottles and cans in the hedgerow.

If anyone is wondering how I know students play a part, simple, I have asked students not to leave litter around including bottles and cans as they pass the homes of many. (Everyone I have spoken to has admitted they live at the uni).

This order is not just welcomed, it is extremely welcome and hopefully, if policed, will stop youths and adults accumulating in the town centre and in the streets from drinking alcohol.

With a new town centre on the horizon it was paramount that residents and visitors alike should have the freedom of the town without fear and feel welcome to just walk around.

I am sure residents will join with me in welcoming this order.

CLLR Colin Croft, Hatfield.