Lib Dems Call for Street Drinking Ban in Withington Village

10.11.11pm UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 1st Mar 2006

John Leech MP and Lib Dem campaigner Tina Maache are calling for a ban on drinking in the street in Withington Village.

"Local people are regularly subjected to abusive and threatening behaviour from a small number of drunken men who hang around on Copson Street, Burton Road and on the steps of Cine City," explained Tina Maache. "If there was a ban on drinking on the streets this would allow the Police to act."

John and Tina have both written to the Chief Superintendent of South Manchester Police requesting a ban. Withington Lib Dem Councillors Audrey and Helen Jones, Alison Firth and Simon Wheale are also backing the ban. They have also suggested that the City Council get involved.

"We recognise that alcoholism is an illness and that some people need help,"said Withington MP John Leech. "That is why we have asked the Council to provide help and information to people with alcohol problems in the area. However, it is totally unacceptable for local people to have to put up with aggressive, abusive and lewd behaviour on a daily basis. That is why we have called for action to ban drinking on the streets around the village."

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