Street drinkers in Colchester concern parents, says Labour councillor
Drinking in public spaces sparks debate at council meeting
Concerns about antisocial drinking and its impact on families in Colchester were voiced at a recent council meeting.
Labour councillor Lee Scordis shared his longstanding concerns about street drinkers, saying, “They’re back, and nothing’s being done about it. They are constantly outside Bills, in Head Street and other areas.
"They’re making the city a nightmare for a lot of parents who worry about bringing their children in. It is intimidating and it’s not very nice.”
During the meeting, Deputy Leader David King acknowledged the recurring nature of the problem and emphasised his commitment to keeping streets clear and behaviours appropriate.
He mentioned discussions with council officers about ensuring the effectiveness of the public space protection order.
“We need to look after our residents,” King said.
“Our first duty is to keep the streets clear and behaviours appropriate.”
The meeting underscored the importance of prioritising community safety and exploring measures for dealing with street drinkers in Colchester's city centre.
He said he expects to see banning orders and the removal of street drinkers.