I have welcomed a new programme to reduce alcohol related crime in Fareham.
Fareham is one of 33 areas that have been chosen to take part in the second phase of the Local Alcohol Action Areas programme that launched on 27th January 2017.
The programme has three aims: to reduce alcohol-related crime and disorder; to reduce alcohol-related health harms; and to promote growth by diversifying the night-time economy. Participating areas are free to choose which of those aims to pursue and will receive support in implementing their plans from the Home Office, Public Health England, the Welsh Government and Nightworks, a company that specializes in diversifying the night-time economy.
The programme will last for two years, and Fareham will take action on at least one of five core challenges: data sharing between A&E Departments, local authorities, and the police; the safe movement of people in the night time economy; expanding safe spaces (facilities used by some town centres to provide support for people who may need it during a night out); preventing the sale of alcohol to drunks; and designing out crime.
The area will be supported by the government to implement their plan which will see local agencies including licensing authorities, health bodies, and police coming together with businesses to address problems caused by alcohol in their local area.
The Local Alcohol Action Areas programme highlights the government’s commitment to make our streets safer. Despite the number of violent crimes involving alcohol falling every year over the last decade there is still clear evidence that alcohol misuse has a significant impact on communities across the country.
There have been issues in Fareham town of alcohol misuse, leading to anti-social behaviour and crime in our communities which is a real concern and blight to local people. The LAAA is a real opportunity to make a difference to our communities and reduce alcohol related crime, meaning we will all be safer.