Would you like Discount Booze 4 U in your village ?

by Craig Chapman - 09:15 on 06 December 2007

Angry residents of Stretton, Staffordshire are bombarding East Staffs Borough Council with letters to try and stop a former newsagents with an existing liquor license, from re-opening as an off-license, with operating hours from 05.00-11.30hrs. Does any village or community really need such a service ?

The crudely named "DISCOUNT BOOZE 4 U" is positioned opposite a number of old people's bungalows, the residents of which are terrified of another reason to have drunken gangs of youths hanging about nearby their homes.

Groups of drunken youths numbering more than 40 (many of whom who live outside of the village) have been noted on most Friday and Saturday nights roaming the streets of this village, causing all manner of damage and disturbance throughout 2007, ever since the local Special Constables and PCSOs were moved elsewhere. This culminated in a near fatal stabbing during a fight between rival gangs, with one 17 year old being arrested for attempted murder.

The Parish Council and local Police Constable are at their wits end, in trying to balance peaceful, positive village life against such incidents and then along comes another outlet for cheap alcohol aiming to serve at all hours. Situations like this really do not help and there should be a co-ordinating power that can stop positive initiatives constantly being taken apart by such developments.  

This is just one local event, however such situations occur across the UK on a daily basis, upsetting many good, honest working families and the places that they call home. 

If you wish to add your complaint, please write to ruth.downes@eaststaffsbc.gov.uk, asking her to do her best to help the local residents in this matter.

Popular Alliance will look into to developing a common sense "Local Harmony" Policy and re-thinking planning laws, to defend the peaceful way of life that we deserve. Your suggestions to help formulate such a policy are most welcome. 

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