Cheshire Police are launching a new initiative in Wilmslow to tackle alcohol related crime, underage drinking and alcohol related incidents in the town.
The ArcAngel Protected Town Initiative is a joint approach between Cheshire Police and a range of other agencies, including local councils, Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service and NHS trusts. This Initiative has already been launched in other towns and cities across Cheshire including Macclesfield, Congleton, Chester and Warrington.
Sgt Andy Miller said "The idea behind this is that we work with all the pubs and licensed premises to ensure that reducing alcohol related incidents is high on their agenda. This is so that we can create a safe and welcoming place for
residents and visitors to enjoy and so we can challenge the perception that it is sometimes unsafe to go out at night in our town centres.
"Wilmslow is actually a safe place to go out and enjoy yourself and everyone will benefit if this perception can be proven and upheld. By working together with the licensed premises in each town and improving standards there are improvements that can be made to the night time economy that will benefit everyone in the community."
In order to measure the effect of this initiative Cheshire Police are holding a series of focus groups throughout March during which groups of people will be asked their views and opinions on alcohol related crime and disorder.
Three different focus groups will be held, one for 14 to 18 year olds, one for residents who live in the town centre and another for residents who live on the outskirts of Wilmslow.
The police are keen to get local people involved in these focus groups to learn how they are currently affected by alcohol related crime and disorder and how they are affected after the initiative has been running for a year.
The focus groups will be held locally during March and last for about 45 minutes.
Sgt Miller added "If you are a local resident and would like to be involved then please could you email me with your contact details so we can get in touch and let you know where and when the focus group meetings will be held. We would really appreciate your help in making your town a safer place to go out."
Sgt Miller can be contacted by e-mailing [email protected].
