Crackdown on street drinkers in Leicester 'is paying off'

A police operation to drive rowdy alcoholics off the street is paying off, according to businesses.

Police launched a campaign in Leicester at the beginning of the month, when they expected the warmer weather to bring more drinkers out.

It will run throughout the summer, with four officers dedicated to dealing with drinkers each day, chiefly in Granby Street and London Road.

Since the campaign began, officers have used powers which allow them to order a troublemakers to leave the city centre for 48 hours on 38 occasions.

They have arrested 10 people for being drunk and disorderly or for failing to leave the city when ordered to do so.

Kevin Elliott, director of Dalkard and Elliott, in Granby Street, said: "There has been a definite change for the better.

"It was such a frequent problem that we gave up ringing the police. It was a nightmare and it was getting worse.

"Also, there are many empty shops. That, combined with the behaviour of the drinkers, meant that Granby Street was not a great advert for the city."

Another Granby Street business owner said: "We still see the drinkers when we arrive for work but they don't seem to be hanging around. I hope the police can keep this up."

Sgt Andy Cooper, of city centre police, said: "We have the same officers working on this each day and they are doing good work.

"A lot of it is about getting to the drinkers early in the day, before their behaviour begins to deteriorate.

"We're seizing the alcohol from them and issuing dispersal notices.

"Since we started, we've had 188 interactions with street drinkers – that is either taking alcohol from them or advising them about their behaviour.

"We're working alongside a lot of other people to try to get these people to take up the support which is available to help them deal with their drinking.

"We're trying to find long-term solutions."

Drinkers who have recently started gathering in a small park in St George Street are being monitored and spoken to daily, Sgt Cooper said.

Officers are being supported by homelessness, addiction and other health specialists.

Health workers estimated there are between 30 and 40 people who regularly drink in the street.

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