A COMMUNITY Alcohol Partnership (CAP) will be launched in Egremont this week to help tackle underage drinking and anti-social behaviour.
Officers from Cumbria Constabulary conducted surveys with the residents of Egremont, in particular in the area of the skate park, and it was established that there was a problem with underage drinking in the area.
CAPs are made up of partnerships between local authorities, police, schools, retailers, neighbourhood groups and health providers, working together to empower communities to tackle alcohol-related harm to young people and improve the quality of life for residents. They aim to reduce the sale of alcohol to young people, advise them on the dangers of drinking and provide alcohol-free activities through youth services and local charities.
Across the country, more than 160 CAPs have had outstanding impacts on local crime, anti-social behaviour, litter, feelings of safety and reductions in underage purchasing of alcohol.
The Copeland CAP will bring together a wide range of stakeholders, including Copeland Borough Council, Cumbria County Council and health providers.
The formal launch will take place at Egremont Youth Club Chapel Street on April 18 at 6pm. The event will also be used to highlight the excellent work that is completed by the Egremont Youth Partnership.
Sgt David Slattery, of Cumbria Police, said “There is growing concern about the levels of underage drinking in Egremont among local residents, councillors and retailers, so I am delighted to announce the introduction of the Copeland CAP to tackle alcohol-related harm in the area.
“Drinking alcohol at a young age brings serious risks to children’s health and development and puts them in danger of both physical and social harm. They are far more likely to injure themselves or someone else, engage in unsafe sex, fail to reach their potential at school and engage in anti-social behaviour. We are committed to making a positive difference to their lives and to our local community.”
Louise Coid, Copeland Hub Manager, said: “Copeland Borough Council are delighted to work with other partner agencies through the Copeland Hub in delivering this CAP in the Egremont area, which has seen an increase in the numbers of underage drinking and related anti-social behaviour.
“The police and local authorities are working with West Lakes Academy, Egremont Youth Partnership, local retailers, licensed premises and the local community to address these issues.”
CAP Chair Derek Lewis said: “I am delighted to see the launch of a CAP in Copeland. Community Alcohol Partnerships are a tried and tested way of driving down underage drinking and creating better, safer and friendlier neighbourhoods.
“They offer a great opportunity to make a real and lasting difference to our nation’s relationship with alcohol, starting with the current generation of young people.”
