ABERGAVENNY has become the first town in Monmouthshire to have a designated Alcohol Free Zone.

The town's Neighbourhood Policing Team in partnership with Monmouthshire County Council launched the scheme last week.

It will allow police to confiscate alcohol or arrest anyone who refuses to stop drinking on the streets in the eastern part of the town when asked.

Anyone arrested in this area, including Bailey Park and Fairfield Car Park could face a fine of up to £500.

PC Andy Charles, Crime and Disorder Reduction Officer for Abergavenny explained, "In response to community feedback, we are launching this initiative as a long term solution to target anti-social behaviour.

"I would like to stress it is only a small minority of individuals who are causing concern but residents have the right to live in a peaceful and pleasant environment.

"The public can expect to see officers out and about in the neighbourhood enforcing this, both now and in the summer months."

Councillor Bryan Jones, Monmouthshire County Council cabinet member for Regulatory Services and chair of the Monmouthshire Community Safety Partnership said, "This is the first of these zones in Monmouthshire but is certainly not the last.

"Our licensing team in co-operation with Gwent Police have done some good work to set this up. Monmouthshire County Council has public safety and protection at the heart of its policies and residents can look forward to other initiatives from the partnership.

"Where we are confronted by a major problem, MCC and Monmouthshire's police force will work together to stamp it out."

Superintendent David Johnson, senior officer for Monmouthshire added, "Abergavenny is a very safe place to live but I want residents not only to be safe but to feel safe as well. Often, the impact of seeing people

drinking can increase our fear of crime and anti-social behaviour. This is a welcome step in helping the residents of Abergavenny feel safer in their neighbourhoods."

Abergavenny residents can contact the Neighbourhood Policing Team on 01495 233917 to discuss this initiative or raise any other issues they may have.