Designated 'wet zone' for problem drinkers in Colchester

Colchester Council is considering introducing a designated drinkers' area in the town centre to reduce anti-social behaviour.

Up to 25 drinkers regularly congregate near the town railway station and members of the public have reported feeling intimidated, while police resources are being taken up to control alcohol-related disorder.

The council is working with the police to find a suitable area that could be fenced off as a "wet zone" where the drinkers could go instead of causing unrest on the streets.

"The problem isn't going to go away," said Tim Young, portfolio holder for housing and community safety at Colchester Council. "These people have been drinking for years and years.

"We want to find a place where they won't be a nuisance."

"They won't want to move too far from the current area. Based on a cost effective analysis, this will be cheaper in the long run."

The council is planning to fence off the area, possibly build a shelter and keep the zone monitored. "That's all the drinkers want," said Young. "It will have a fairly limited cost."

Similar initiatives exist in Leicester, Dundee and Nottingham, but Young believes this could be the first "wet zone" to be constructed outside.