Alcohol Bans

There was a talk on alcohol bans given by Insp Keys:

The first ban in NK was in North Hykeham, when alcohol was banned in parks and open spaces. Youths would congregate in certain areas and generally make a nuisance of themselves, so a ban was put in place. The trouble was then moved to other places, not eliminated, but could not be confined to any one area. Youths would congregate near seats and lights having been moved from parks.

It is up to Parish Councils to consider the problem, anti alcohol bans may not be the solution. For instance, a ban in parks may prevent youths from drinking, but also means that families out for a picnic may not drink either, a ban on the recreation ground would prevent drinks being consumed on Gala day. The law as it stands can prevent under 18s from drinking; if the trouble is mainly from under 18s then a ban will make no difference.

Consider where drinkers will go if banned from an area, will the new meeting place be acceptable to residents or will there be greater problems? Parish Councils should try to identify where the alcohol is being bought and pressure shops to prevent sales.

If there are more things for youngsters to do, then there will be less trouble, it is often a good move to involve them in projects, find out what they want and work with them. The banning of over 11s in green spaces is one thing that could be overturned, often all that is needed is space for a kick-about which is banned in BBH except for the rec ground.

There is a scheme to issue all households with a red card, advising on youth problems and suggesting that parents should take a greater interest in what their children are up to.

ASBOs can be issued but are sometimes seen as a badge of honour, unacceptable behaviour warnings can be issued to offenders and their parents and in the most severe cases, tenants can be given an eviction order. There are other measures that can be taken against owner-occupiers.

Planning oddities

We have all seen the development at 91 Grantham Road, where Cartwrights and the garage used to be. The original plans were quite bizarre and were not passed, then the second set was agreed. Perhaps NK thought the plans were OK or perhaps it was just that they were better than the first set. Since the development started there have been a few changes in the plans, none of them major but I wonder if the whole plan would have passed if these changes were in the original drawings. Small things, like the block paving which is now tarmac, the hedge that was to be retained and enhanced but has now been grubbed out, enclosed spaces for the wheelie bins that have disappeared, a disabled access no longer there, less parking space etc. All minor, but the little embellishments that might have persuaded the planning department to allow the development.
Another odd thing, you recall the application for outline planning by the tennis club was turned down as it would be impossible to have a six metre splay on the exit road. The development is nearing completion and the exit is simply a drop kerb, no splay of any description.