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Seafront street drinkers face crackdown
Police have rejected calls to set up a "wet garden" for street drinkers just yards from their custody centre.
Senior politicians tabled the idea in a bid to rid Worthing seafront of aggressive drunks who have made beach shelters no-go zones for families.
Worthing West MP Peter Bottomley said the drinkers should be allowed to booze in a grassy area next to the town's police cells at the rear of Centenary House, Durrington.
He was backed by borough councillors Tom Wye and John Rogers, who both demanded that the drunks were cleared off the seafront so it could be reclaimed by residents and visitors.
They believed Centenary House was an ideal location because officers could keep a close watch on the drinkers.
Coun Wye said: "I can think of no better place."
Coun Rogers, the cabinet member for community safety, said: "I have made it absolutely crystal clear to the police that we don't want them on the seafront. We have suggested the grassy area outside Centenary House would be the ideal place."
Mr Bottomley said: "If people think there should be a place where certain behaviour should be tolerated in my view it should be out of sight behind the police headquarters at Centenary House, where they could be observed by the police, social services and other partnership agencies."
But Insp Howard Hodges dismissed the suggestion, stating: "There is no point putting a wet garden on the edge of the town where they won't be able to obtain the services they need."
The borough council recently fenced off a shelter opposite West Buildings after gangs of drunks took it over, some of them sleeping rough overnight.
Last year the council had to shut down three shelters, prompting claims that the police lost control of the situation, an accusation they refute.
The authorities estimated there was a hardcore of about 30 street drinkers in the town, but only a minority was homeless.
Following mounting public concern the police have drafted in a four-strong team - two constables and two community support officers - paying special attention to the problem.
Coun Rogers said: "We shall have to wait and see how it goes."
Coun Wye said: "If our residents and holidaymakers feel intimidated when they walk along the promenade something is wrong.
"Worthing is a seaside town, and drunks are ruining the promenade. It is not a minor issue. I believe it is a major issue. I am looking to the police to clear the unsavoury characters off our prom."
Mr Bottomley said the drunks needed help, but added: "I also believe it is intolerable for any part of Worthing seafront to become a distressed area for behaviour which is so disgusting that ordinary people are put off using one of Worthing's greatest amenities."
Insp Hodges said: "In recognition of the issue a team of four has been created for a period of six months. They will work very closely in
partnership with the community safety unit and outreach workers.
"These people do need support to get their lives back on track. They are a distinct community who have rights, but that doesn't mean we won't enforce the law when they breach it."
2:35pm Sunday 11th May 2008
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CommentPosted by: Kickboxer, Worthing on 2:59pm Sun 11 May 08
Typical of Peter Bottemley/John Rogers/Tom Wye(all conservative party)as long as the problem doesn't affect their constituents in their area then its o.k. to force the problem elsewhere, Durrington has enough problems with anti-social behavior without more drunks comming to the area, this council only seems to care about tourists etc not the residents that have to live in Worthing. Typical Tory snob attitude, the people of Durrington/Goring can goto hell whilst the money generating shops/sea front and posh areas are all looked after.
Typical of Peter Bottemley/John Rogers/Tom Wye(all conservative party)as long as the problem doesn't affect their constituents in their area then its o.k. to force the problem elsewhere, Durrington has enough problems with anti-social behavior without more drunks comming to the area, this council only seems to care about tourists etc not the residents that have to live in Worthing. Typical Tory snob attitude, the people of Durrington/Goring can goto hell whilst the money generating shops/sea front and posh areas are all looked after.
Posted by: p****d off (not up), seafront on 3:12pm Sun 11 May 08
While I agree kickboxer about the Tory attitude of looking after no1 these people on the seafront are very very low life and need big help. Even an untrained animal would not sleep in its own s**t or p**S .Not softly softly counselling they are too p**** up to take any advice. Get them out of town ASAP, I am sure if the police don’t others will!
While I agree kickboxer about the Tory attitude of looking after no1 these people on the seafront are very very low life and need big help. Even an untrained animal would not sleep in its own s**t or p**S .Not softly softly counselling they are too p**** up to take any advice. Get them out of town ASAP, I am sure if the police don’t others will!
Posted by: dontbother, Brighton on 8:29pm Sun 11 May 08
Why do antisocial drunks need support? It's the people who's lives are blighted by these low lifes that need support.
In the old days, the police used to just drive these a holes to the county border and kick them out of the car. Then at least normal people had a few days without these scum.
I've had enough of 'we have got to help these people'. No we haven't.
Why do antisocial drunks need support? It's the people who's lives are blighted by these low lifes that need support.
In the old days, the police used to just drive these a holes to the county border and kick them out of the car. Then at least normal people had a few days without these scum.
I've had enough of 'we have got to help these people'. No we haven't.
Posted by: Kickboxer, Worthing on 8:39pm Sun 11 May 08
"Get them out of town" How about locked up in a mental hospital as alcohol addiction is a mental illness! oh I forgot the government closed most of the secure mental hospitals to save money and sell the buildings/land to make even more money that was not put back into the community but has been used to line greedy politicians pockets.
"Get them out of town" How about locked up in a mental hospital as alcohol addiction is a mental illness! oh I forgot the government closed most of the secure mental hospitals to save money and sell the buildings/land to make even more money that was not put back into the community but has been used to line greedy politicians pockets.
Posted by: Snaggybird, worthing on 9:14pm Sun 11 May 08
As a resident of worthing and a mother of two children who has lived close to the seafront for 6 years, I have to say the street drinkers dont cause me any problems, I have a dog that I regulary walk along the seafront and Denton Gardens and the aquamarina park, I have to say that its the kids that drink at night that intimidate me, where they shout and swear, throw bottles causing dangers for the children and other dogs that walk there. I can honestly say that most of the street drinkers have always been polite and caused no problem.
Rid the streets of the large groups of street drinking, swearing, intimidating children then maybe I wont be so scared to walk my dog at 21.00 hours on a nice summers evening. I would be ashamed if these were my children
As a resident of worthing and a mother of two children who has lived close to the seafront for 6 years, I have to say the street drinkers dont cause me any problems, I have a dog that I regulary walk along the seafront and Denton Gardens and the aquamarina park, I have to say that its the kids that drink at night that intimidate me, where they shout and swear, throw bottles causing dangers for the children and other dogs that walk there. I can honestly say that most of the street drinkers have always been polite and caused no problem.
Rid the streets of the large groups of street drinking, swearing, intimidating children then maybe I wont be so scared to walk my dog at 21.00 hours on a nice summers evening. I would be ashamed if these were my children
Posted by: Alan, Worthing on 9:46pm Sun 11 May 08
Some strange reactions here I think. The council wouldnt be doing there job if the Tourism side of Worthing wasnt being looked after, although of course the residents need equal consideration. If Tourists stop coming, the place would become a ghost town.
Some strange reactions here I think. The council wouldnt be doing there job if the Tourism side of Worthing wasnt being looked after, although of course the residents need equal consideration. If Tourists stop coming, the place would become a ghost town.
Posted by: yukki, hangleton on 9:48pm Sun 11 May 08
[quote][bold]Snaggybird[/bold] wrote:
As a resident of worthing and a mother of two children who has lived close to the seafront for 6 years, I have to say the street drinkers dont cause me any problems, I have a dog that I regulary walk along the seafront and Denton Gardens and the aquamarina park, I have to say that its the kids that drink at night that intimidate me, where they shout and swear, throw bottles causing dangers for the children and other dogs that walk there. I can honestly say that most of the street drinkers have always been polite and caused no problem. Rid the streets of the large groups of street drinking, swearing, intimidating children then maybe I wont be so scared to walk my dog at 21.00 hours on a nice summers evening. I would be ashamed if these were my children[/quote] That's a very interesting, new take, on things. Now I think of it, I've always felt disgust at street drinkers, but never been made to feel afraid. But, certainly, some of the youth of today can be very intimidating at the most unexpected of times, ie, simply popping out for a takeaway and finding a hoarde of drinking loud youngsters on the corner. We don't hear of many 40 year old street drinkers stabbing people.
Snaggybird wrote:
As a resident of worthing and a mother of two children who has lived close to the seafront for 6 years, I have to say the street drinkers dont cause me any problems, I have a dog that I regulary walk along the seafront and Denton Gardens and the aquamarina park, I have to say that its the kids that drink at night that intimidate me, where they shout and swear, throw bottles causing dangers for the children and other dogs that walk there. I can honestly say that most of the street drinkers have always been polite and caused no problem. Rid the streets of the large groups of street drinking, swearing, intimidating children then maybe I wont be so scared to walk my dog at 21.00 hours on a nice summers evening. I would be ashamed if these were my children
That's a very interesting, new take, on things. Now I think of it, I've always felt disgust at street drinkers, but never been made to feel afraid. But, certainly, some of the youth of today can be very intimidating at the most unexpected of times, ie, simply popping out for a takeaway and finding a hoarde of drinking loud youngsters on the corner. We don't hear of many 40 year old street drinkers stabbing people.
Posted by: Ex Worthing PC on 10:09pm Sun 11 May 08
[bold] "There is no point putting a wet garden on the edge of the town where they won't be able to obtain the services they need."[/bold]
could also apply to: But Insp Howard Hodges dismissed the suggestion, stating: "There is no point putting a Police Station on the edge of the town where they won't be able to provide the services they need to provide."
"There is no point putting a wet garden on the edge of the town where they won't be able to obtain the services they need."
could also apply to: But Insp Howard Hodges dismissed the suggestion, stating: "There is no point putting a Police Station on the edge of the town where they won't be able to provide the services they need to provide."
Posted by: Ex Worthing PC on 10:15pm Sun 11 May 08
[bold] "There is no point putting a wet garden on the edge of the town where they won't be able to obtain the services they need."[/bold]
could also apply to: But Insp Howard Hodges dismissed the suggestion, stating: "There is no point putting a Police Station on the edge of the town where they won't be able to provide the services they need to provide."
"There is no point putting a wet garden on the edge of the town where they won't be able to obtain the services they need."
could also apply to: But Insp Howard Hodges dismissed the suggestion, stating: "There is no point putting a Police Station on the edge of the town where they won't be able to provide the services they need to provide."
Posted by: treetoucher, Sssex on 10:38pm Sun 11 May 08
[quote][bold]Snaggybird[/bold] wrote:
As a resident of worthing and a mother of two children who has lived close to the seafront for 6 years, I have to say the street drinkers dont cause me any problems, I have a dog that I regulary walk along the seafront and Denton Gardens and the aquamarina park, I have to say that its the kids that drink at night that intimidate me, where they shout and swear, throw bottles causing dangers for the children and other dogs that walk there. I can honestly say that most of the street drinkers have always been polite and caused no problem.
Rid the streets of the large groups of street drinking, swearing, intimidating children then maybe I wont be so scared to walk my dog at 21.00 hours on a nice summers evening. I would be ashamed if these were my children[/quote] Well said.
If the street drinkers are bothering any of you,why dont you go over and talk to them and tell them whats on your mind?
They are only people you know! drunks are often worth chatting to,and can sometimes be quite interesting and funny if you take the time to be friendly,rather than just sneering at them.
Some people are talking about them like there some kind of untouchable vermin,rather than just people with problems,and usually problems that could sneak up on any of you !
Snaggybird wrote:
As a resident of worthing and a mother of two children who has lived close to the seafront for 6 years, I have to say the street drinkers dont cause me any problems, I have a dog that I regulary walk along the seafront and Denton Gardens and the aquamarina park, I have to say that its the kids that drink at night that intimidate me, where they shout and swear, throw bottles causing dangers for the children and other dogs that walk there. I can honestly say that most of the street drinkers have always been polite and caused no problem.
Rid the streets of the large groups of street drinking, swearing, intimidating children then maybe I wont be so scared to walk my dog at 21.00 hours on a nice summers evening. I would be ashamed if these were my children
Well said.
If the street drinkers are bothering any of you,why dont you go over and talk to them and tell them whats on your mind?
They are only people you know! drunks are often worth chatting to,and can sometimes be quite interesting and funny if you take the time to be friendly,rather than just sneering at them.
Some people are talking about them like there some kind of untouchable vermin,rather than just people with problems,and usually problems that could sneak up on any of you !
Posted by: Had enough Resident, Brighton on 12:12am Mon 12 May 08
"If the street drinkers are bothering any of you,why dont you go over and talk to them and tell them whats on your mind"
Yeah all right!
'Hello Mr Street drunk - I wonder if I could ask you not to pee and poop in my front garden, and could you also be a trifle quieter at 3 in the morning when you come past my house kicking rubbish bins all over the place, and shouting foul language at your lady friend on the other side of the road'
Yeah all right . . .
Filthy dirty disgusting scum bags all of them. If they all dropped dead next week, its too long to wait.
"If the street drinkers are bothering any of you,why dont you go over and talk to them and tell them whats on your mind"
Yeah all right!
'Hello Mr Street drunk - I wonder if I could ask you not to pee and poop in my front garden, and could you also be a trifle quieter at 3 in the morning when you come past my house kicking rubbish bins all over the place, and shouting foul language at your lady friend on the other side of the road'
Yeah all right . . .
Filthy dirty disgusting scum bags all of them. If they all dropped dead next week, its too long to wait.
Posted by: Ronnie, whitehawk on 4:18am Mon 12 May 08
[quote][bold]treetoucher[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]Snaggybird[/bold] wrote: As a resident of worthing and a mother of two children who has lived close to the seafront for 6 years, I have to say the street drinkers dont cause me any problems, I have a dog that I regulary walk along the seafront and Denton Gardens and the aquamarina park, I have to say that its the kids that drink at night that intimidate me, where they shout and swear, throw bottles causing dangers for the children and other dogs that walk there. I can honestly say that most of the street drinkers have always been polite and caused no problem. Rid the streets of the large groups of street drinking, swearing, intimidating children then maybe I wont be so scared to walk my dog at 21.00 hours on a nice summers evening. I would be ashamed if these were my children[/quote] Well said. If the street drinkers are bothering any of you,why dont you go over and talk to them and tell them whats on your mind? They are only people you know! drunks are often worth chatting to,and can sometimes be quite interesting and funny if you take the time to be friendly,rather than just sneering at them. Some people are talking about them like there some kind of untouchable vermin,rather than just people with problems,and usually problems that could sneak up on any of you ![/quote] you are out of your tiny little mind. i like a drink but i dont go around urinating in peoples doorways and abusing people because im blind drunk 24hrs a day
treetoucher wrote:
Snaggybird wrote: As a resident of worthing and a mother of two children who has lived close to the seafront for 6 years, I have to say the street drinkers dont cause me any problems, I have a dog that I regulary walk along the seafront and Denton Gardens and the aquamarina park, I have to say that its the kids that drink at night that intimidate me, where they shout and swear, throw bottles causing dangers for the children and other dogs that walk there. I can honestly say that most of the street drinkers have always been polite and caused no problem. Rid the streets of the large groups of street drinking, swearing, intimidating children then maybe I wont be so scared to walk my dog at 21.00 hours on a nice summers evening. I would be ashamed if these were my children
Well said. If the street drinkers are bothering any of you,why dont you go over and talk to them and tell them whats on your mind? They are only people you know! drunks are often worth chatting to,and can sometimes be quite interesting and funny if you take the time to be friendly,rather than just sneering at them. Some people are talking about them like there some kind of untouchable vermin,rather than just people with problems,and usually problems that could sneak up on any of you !
you are out of your tiny little mind. i like a drink but i dont go around urinating in peoples doorways and abusing people because im blind drunk 24hrs a day
Posted by: dontbother, Brighton on 8:14am Mon 12 May 08
[quote][bold]Kickboxer[/bold] wrote:
"Get them out of town" How about locked up in a mental hospital as alcohol addiction is a mental illness! oh I forgot the government closed most of the secure mental hospitals to save money and sell the buildings/land to make even more money that was not put back into the community but has been used to line greedy politicians pockets.[/quote] An addiction is not a mental illness. That's where this is all going wrong. Some people just don't have any self control and prefer to spend their life in a haze of alcohol.
Anyone can stop drinking IF THEY WANT TO.
It isn't that hard. I speak from 1st hand experience.
It's much harder to stop smoking!
Kickboxer wrote:
"Get them out of town" How about locked up in a mental hospital as alcohol addiction is a mental illness! oh I forgot the government closed most of the secure mental hospitals to save money and sell the buildings/land to make even more money that was not put back into the community but has been used to line greedy politicians pockets.
An addiction is not a mental illness. That's where this is all going wrong. Some people just don't have any self control and prefer to spend their life in a haze of alcohol.
Anyone can stop drinking IF THEY WANT TO.
It isn't that hard. I speak from 1st hand experience.
It's much harder to stop smoking!
Posted by: Jules Copper, Worthing on 8:18am Mon 12 May 08
Sounds more like out of sight out of mind where the Police are concerned...having them in View Just means we may have to tackle stinking drunk
Sounds more like out of sight out of mind where the Police are concerned...having them in View Just means we may have to tackle stinking drunk
Posted by: The Wombat, Zog on 11:34am Mon 12 May 08
Why are we once again pandering to anti-social behaviour? If they are drunk, lock them up for a few hours. See if they think the prospect of a criminal record sobers them up.
And why dignify the proposed site with a sweet little name like 'Wet Area'? It's in the same category as 'Happy-Slapping' and 'Joy-Riding'. These are offences and should not be dignified in any way.
Are they thinking of putting a few sharps boxes in the area, too, just to help the odd offender who is not just happy with alcohol?
There are plenty of pubs and bars around for people to drink in. If they can't handle their booze, let Mr.Plod up his arrest quota with a few soft pulls.
Why are we once again pandering to anti-social behaviour? If they are drunk, lock them up for a few hours. See if they think the prospect of a criminal record sobers them up.
And why dignify the proposed site with a sweet little name like 'Wet Area'? It's in the same category as 'Happy-Slapping' and 'Joy-Riding'. These are offences and should not be dignified in any way.
Are they thinking of putting a few sharps boxes in the area, too, just to help the odd offender who is not just happy with alcohol?
There are plenty of pubs and bars around for people to drink in. If they can't handle their booze, let Mr.Plod up his arrest quota with a few soft pulls.
Posted by: FRED, worthing on 2:13pm Mon 12 May 08
"CABINET MEMBER" Bloo*y Cabinet member? In my day, they were elected to look after the drains in their area. What next. Will he take a march past and a wave of his royal hand next year? Its a two bob council Mr Rogers, not the U.N. Forget the titles, because you are only there as long as the public want you. If you want your name in the paper, come up with a less silly idea then that one.
"CABINET MEMBER" Bloo*y Cabinet member? In my day, they were elected to look after the drains in their area. What next. Will he take a march past and a wave of his royal hand next year? Its a two bob council Mr Rogers, not the U.N. Forget the titles, because you are only there as long as the public want you. If you want your name in the paper, come up with a less silly idea then that one.
Posted by: Rev. Ponge, brighton on 5:30pm Mon 12 May 08
I met councilor rodgers once. I knew it was him, because of the 2x4inch plastic name badge, that lit up,when he walked by.
I met councilor rodgers once. I knew it was him, because of the 2x4inch plastic name badge, that lit up,when he walked by.
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