A SERIES of hard hitting reports point towards Southampton as a city ravaged by alcohol.
This causes massive problems for staff as their resources are stretched to breaking point.
Also, throughout last year more than 1,000 people were admitted to the General with alcohol related liver disease, further adding to the burden that excessive drinking puts on the health service.
Further more, another report charts the city as the third worst in the country for booze-fuelled violence.
Only Hull and London fared worse than Southampton in the report, which ranked 354 local authorities across the nation.
In response, Southampton's newly appointed police chief has vowed that his top priority is to rid the city of its booze blight.
Pubs and clubs have also been challenged to do their bit.
They have been urged to implement new chill-out hours, to calm down revellers before they head home, to prevent any violence from spilling out on to the city's streets in the early hours of the morning.
The Daily Echo today investigates the reports and what they mean for Sotonians.
To read the indepth reviews, simply click the links above and below.
3:18pm Saturday 10th May 2008
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CommentPosted by: paul b on 9:43am Sat 10 May 08
Its only people not worth worrying about that do it, let them die early, would save the tax payer loads in the long run
Its only people not worth worrying about that do it, let them die early, would save the tax payer loads in the long run
Posted by: Wino, In the park on 9:44am Sat 10 May 08
Proves we need a massive new nightclub in town. glug glug glug hic
Proves we need a massive new nightclub in town. glug glug glug hic
Posted by: Ian, bitterne park on 9:52am Sat 10 May 08
Isnt it funny that with Alcohol abuse a huge, expensive problem the government concentrates on re classifying Cannabis.
Is a case of getting your priorities right.
Still what do we know?
Isnt it funny that with Alcohol abuse a huge, expensive problem the government concentrates on re classifying Cannabis.
Is a case of getting your priorities right.
Still what do we know?
Posted by: heather miles on 10:10am Sat 10 May 08
[quote][bold]paul b[/bold] wrote:
Its only people not worth worrying about that do it, let them die early, would save the tax payer loads in the long run[/quote] Paul youve hit the nail on the head again, even though its rather blunt!
paul b wrote:
Its only people not worth worrying about that do it, let them die early, would save the tax payer loads in the long run
Paul youve hit the nail on the head again, even though its rather blunt!
Posted by: Family Man, Bitterne on 11:00am Sat 10 May 08
[quote][bold]Ian[/bold] wrote:
Isnt it funny that with Alcohol abuse a huge, expensive problem the government concentrates on re classifying Cannabis. Is a case of getting your priorities right. Still what do we know?[/quote] Perhaps it is no coincidence that the government derives a very considerable amount of excise duty and VAT from alcohol whereas they derive nothing from cannabis.
Ian wrote:
Isnt it funny that with Alcohol abuse a huge, expensive problem the government concentrates on re classifying Cannabis. Is a case of getting your priorities right. Still what do we know?
Perhaps it is no coincidence that the government derives a very considerable amount of excise duty and VAT from alcohol whereas they derive nothing from cannabis.
Posted by: Geroge the Dullard on 11:02am Sat 10 May 08
[quote][bold]Family Man[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]Ian[/bold] wrote: Isnt it funny that with Alcohol abuse a huge, expensive problem the government concentrates on re classifying Cannabis. Is a case of getting your priorities right. Still what do we know?[/quote] Perhaps it is no coincidence that the government derives a very considerable amount of excise duty and VAT from alcohol whereas they derive nothing from cannabis.[/quote] If they wanted to put tax on cannabis they could, so I don't think that's the problem.
Family Man wrote:
Ian wrote: Isnt it funny that with Alcohol abuse a huge, expensive problem the government concentrates on re classifying Cannabis. Is a case of getting your priorities right. Still what do we know?
Perhaps it is no coincidence that the government derives a very considerable amount of excise duty and VAT from alcohol whereas they derive nothing from cannabis.
If they wanted to put tax on cannabis they could, so I don't think that's the problem.
Posted by: Big Bill Boozer, Southampton on 11:22am Sat 10 May 08
Hmm, "boozerelated violence"? Interesting, is that supposed to be "boozer elated" or booze related" I wonder?
Being a pub lover I like the idea of being boozer elated, and can't see why this should be related to violence. Whatever, I welcome this new addition to the English language.
Hmm, "boozerelated violence"? Interesting, is that supposed to be "boozer elated" or booze related" I wonder?
Being a pub lover I like the idea of being boozer elated, and can't see why this should be related to violence. Whatever, I welcome this new addition to the English language.
Posted by: Lorraine Barter, Southampton on 11:26am Sat 10 May 08
It is not just the damage to the drinkers that is a national disgrace, in the Polygon student
ghetto we have suffered thousands of pounds worth of car and wall damage due to the drunks who leave the local night time economy area, Carlton Place and London Road.
For years the residents group has asked the Council to allow fewer bars but nothing has been done, not only is there a new one in
Carlton Place but another there wants to stay open until 2 a.m.
So the Planning authority needs to bring in Supplementary Planning Guidance to cut down on the numbers of bars in the future.
Why has this not been done already ?
The Council were aked to do this many years ago and Councillors voted against it.
So we know who is to blame ?
It is not just the damage to the drinkers that is a national disgrace, in the Polygon student
ghetto we have suffered thousands of pounds worth of car and wall damage due to the drunks who leave the local night time economy area, Carlton Place and London Road.
For years the residents group has asked the Council to allow fewer bars but nothing has been done, not only is there a new one in
Carlton Place but another there wants to stay open until 2 a.m.
So the Planning authority needs to bring in Supplementary Planning Guidance to cut down on the numbers of bars in the future.
Why has this not been done already ?
The Council were aked to do this many years ago and Councillors voted against it.
So we know who is to blame ?
Posted by: Andy, Locks Heath on 12:12pm Sat 10 May 08
When I read about the damage alcohol can do I immediately gave up reading.
When I read about the damage alcohol can do I immediately gave up reading.
Posted by: Roy S, Southampton on 12:23pm Sat 10 May 08
The other day one of your commenters stated 'The streets of Southampton are paved with vomit' not far wrong and is it something to be proud of? perhaps if the councellors lived in the affected areas we might see a change...
The other day one of your commenters stated 'The streets of Southampton are paved with vomit' not far wrong and is it something to be proud of? perhaps if the councellors lived in the affected areas we might see a change...
Posted by: Paramjit Bahia, Southampton on 12:31pm Sat 10 May 08
[quote][bold]Lorraine Barter[/bold] wrote:
It is not just the damage to the drinkers that is a national disgrace, in the Polygon student ghetto we have suffered thousands of pounds worth of car and wall damage due to the drunks who leave the local night time economy area, Carlton Place and London Road. For years the residents group has asked the Council to allow fewer bars but nothing has been done, not only is there a new one in Carlton Place but another there wants to stay open until 2 a.m. So the Planning authority needs to bring in Supplementary Planning Guidance to cut down on the numbers of bars in the future. Why has this not been done already ? The Council were aked to do this many years ago and Councillors voted against it. So we know who is to blame ?[/quote] There is lot of truth in what Lorraine Barter is saying. Bedford Pl London Rd area certainly has problems but some other areas are even worse.
Roots of this problem go back to time when John Arnold (Right wing Labour) was incharge of planning he was supported by some pseudo socialists who promoted this under the name of culture. Police concerns were ignored and some of us who shared those worries were accused of being lefties and anti viberant night time economy.
Now the chickens have started to come home to roost...
No it doesn't give me any satisfaction in saying 'told you so' but I wish people like Lorraine better luck in opposing further spread of this serious problem and in forcing new Tory Council into taking action against irresponsible establishments.
Lorraine Barter wrote:
It is not just the damage to the drinkers that is a national disgrace, in the Polygon student ghetto we have suffered thousands of pounds worth of car and wall damage due to the drunks who leave the local night time economy area, Carlton Place and London Road. For years the residents group has asked the Council to allow fewer bars but nothing has been done, not only is there a new one in Carlton Place but another there wants to stay open until 2 a.m. So the Planning authority needs to bring in Supplementary Planning Guidance to cut down on the numbers of bars in the future. Why has this not been done already ? The Council were aked to do this many years ago and Councillors voted against it. So we know who is to blame ?
There is lot of truth in what Lorraine Barter is saying. Bedford Pl London Rd area certainly has problems but some other areas are even worse.
Roots of this problem go back to time when John Arnold (Right wing Labour) was incharge of planning he was supported by some pseudo socialists who promoted this under the name of culture. Police concerns were ignored and some of us who shared those worries were accused of being lefties and anti viberant night time economy.
Now the chickens have started to come home to roost...
No it doesn't give me any satisfaction in saying 'told you so' but I wish people like Lorraine better luck in opposing further spread of this serious problem and in forcing new Tory Council into taking action against irresponsible establishments.
Posted by: Bungle Byers on 12:35pm Sat 10 May 08
[quote][bold]paul b[/bold] wrote:
Its only people not worth worrying about that do it, let them die early, would save the tax payer loads in the long run[/quote] Alcoholism is an illness and some people have genuine reasons why they are dependant on alcohol. What an idiotic thing to say. I wish people would put some thought into what they write. But then again I've read what paul has had to say before and it's never been anything useful or intelligent.
paul b wrote:
Its only people not worth worrying about that do it, let them die early, would save the tax payer loads in the long run
Alcoholism is an illness and some people have genuine reasons why they are dependant on alcohol. What an idiotic thing to say. I wish people would put some thought into what they write. But then again I've read what paul has had to say before and it's never been anything useful or intelligent.
Posted by: lowe and behold, st marys hotseat on 12:39pm Sat 10 May 08
[quote][bold]Lorraine Barter[/bold] wrote:
It is not just the damage to the drinkers that is a national disgrace, in the Polygon student ghetto we have suffered thousands of pounds worth of car and wall damage due to the drunks who leave the local night time economy area, Carlton Place and London Road. For years the residents group has asked the Council to allow fewer bars but nothing has been done, not only is there a new one in Carlton Place but another there wants to stay open until 2 a.m. So the Planning authority needs to bring in Supplementary Planning Guidance to cut down on the numbers of bars in the future. Why has this not been done already ? The Council were aked to do this many years ago and Councillors voted against it. So we know who is to blame ?[/quote] So you are one of the polygon residents group.
I suggest if you are so against the anti social behaviour which is being caused WHY DONT YOU MOVE!
Lorraine Barter wrote:
It is not just the damage to the drinkers that is a national disgrace, in the Polygon student ghetto we have suffered thousands of pounds worth of car and wall damage due to the drunks who leave the local night time economy area, Carlton Place and London Road. For years the residents group has asked the Council to allow fewer bars but nothing has been done, not only is there a new one in Carlton Place but another there wants to stay open until 2 a.m. So the Planning authority needs to bring in Supplementary Planning Guidance to cut down on the numbers of bars in the future. Why has this not been done already ? The Council were aked to do this many years ago and Councillors voted against it. So we know who is to blame ?
So you are one of the polygon residents group.
I suggest if you are so against the anti social behaviour which is being caused WHY DONT YOU MOVE!
Posted by: StatJohn, Soton on 12:45pm Sat 10 May 08
Yet another example of tabloid reporting. No analysis of the information.
1,000 admitted to the general "...with alcohol-related liver disease.", but to put this into perspective how many people in total are admitted? The story focus is on Southampton, but the General serves a population far wider than the boundaries of Southampton. So how many of those 1,000 are Southampton residents?
7 out 10 RUSHED to the general "...because of drink". Presumably the people who made their own way to the General and therefore were not RUSHED to the general are not counted in this figure? Again people may have gone to the General, but that doesn't mean they are Southampton residents or even drinking in Southampton. Also before tarring the whole of Southampton's population with the same brush maybe some analysis of the people taken to A&E (age for instance) might be useful.
Third worst in alcohol related violence. How is this calculated? number of instances reported? Number of arrests? is it the total number or is a number per 1,000 population? without this information the figure is meaningless, apart from sensationalising the story.
A poor attempt at a tabloid type story. No wonder the sales of the Echo's paper based edition keep declining. If decent journalists were employed, that wrote articles that examined the facts, instead of just sensationalising press releases produced by other people with their own axes to grind, then the Echo would see its sales grow.
Yet another example of tabloid reporting. No analysis of the information.
1,000 admitted to the general "...with alcohol-related liver disease.", but to put this into perspective how many people in total are admitted? The story focus is on Southampton, but the General serves a population far wider than the boundaries of Southampton. So how many of those 1,000 are Southampton residents?
7 out 10 RUSHED to the general "...because of drink". Presumably the people who made their own way to the General and therefore were not RUSHED to the general are not counted in this figure? Again people may have gone to the General, but that doesn't mean they are Southampton residents or even drinking in Southampton. Also before tarring the whole of Southampton's population with the same brush maybe some analysis of the people taken to A&E (age for instance) might be useful.
Third worst in alcohol related violence. How is this calculated? number of instances reported? Number of arrests? is it the total number or is a number per 1,000 population? without this information the figure is meaningless, apart from sensationalising the story.
A poor attempt at a tabloid type story. No wonder the sales of the Echo's paper based edition keep declining. If decent journalists were employed, that wrote articles that examined the facts, instead of just sensationalising press releases produced by other people with their own axes to grind, then the Echo would see its sales grow.
Posted by: paul b on 12:58pm Sat 10 May 08
[quote][bold]Bungle Byers[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]paul b[/bold] wrote:
Its only people not worth worrying about that do it, let them die early, would save the tax payer loads in the long run[/quote] Alcoholism is an illness and some people have genuine reasons why they are dependant on alcohol. What an idiotic thing to say. I wish people would put some thought into what they write. But then again I've read what paul has had to say before and it's never been anything useful or intelligent.[/quote] I take it your one of the dregs of society then?
Bungle Byers wrote:
paul b wrote:
Its only people not worth worrying about that do it, let them die early, would save the tax payer loads in the long run
Alcoholism is an illness and some people have genuine reasons why they are dependant on alcohol. What an idiotic thing to say. I wish people would put some thought into what they write. But then again I've read what paul has had to say before and it's never been anything useful or intelligent.
I take it your one of the dregs of society then?
Posted by: c, southampton on 1:20pm Sat 10 May 08
[quote][bold]paul b[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]Bungle Byers[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]paul b[/bold] wrote:
Its only people not worth worrying about that do it, let them die early, would save the tax payer loads in the long run[/quote] Alcoholism is an illness and some people have genuine reasons why they are dependant on alcohol. What an idiotic thing to say. I wish people would put some thought into what they write. But then again I've read what paul has had to say before and it's never been anything useful or intelligent.[/quote] I take it your one of the dregs of society then?[/quote] Bungle Byers couldn't agree with you more.
paul b wrote:
Bungle Byers wrote:
paul b wrote:
Its only people not worth worrying about that do it, let them die early, would save the tax payer loads in the long run
Alcoholism is an illness and some people have genuine reasons why they are dependant on alcohol. What an idiotic thing to say. I wish people would put some thought into what they write. But then again I've read what paul has had to say before and it's never been anything useful or intelligent.
I take it your one of the dregs of society then?
Bungle Byers couldn't agree with you more.
Posted by: pat othen R.A.G., polygon soton on 1:20pm Sat 10 May 08
If the students paid council tax they would not have so much money to go out clubbing and drinking almost every night as they do ,if we just had to tolerate thier drunken pathetic childish behaviour at weekends life would not be quite so bad living in the polygon student ghetto.Keep up the good work Lorraine Barter ,I know that you have been complaining against the council and licencing for alowing far too many late opening bars in Bedford place area.
[quote]quote[/quote]
cant realy blame the police for not keeping order ,thier are not enough off them
If the students paid council tax they would not have so much money to go out clubbing and drinking almost every night as they do ,if we just had to tolerate thier drunken pathetic childish behaviour at weekends life would not be quite so bad living in the polygon student ghetto.Keep up the good work Lorraine Barter ,I know that you have been complaining against the council and licencing for alowing far too many late opening bars in Bedford place area.
quote
cant realy blame the police for not keeping order ,thier are not enough off them
Posted by: hulla, baloo on 1:39pm Sat 10 May 08
[quote][bold]StatJohn[/bold] wrote:
Yet another example of tabloid reporting. No analysis of the information. 1,000 admitted to the general "...with alcohol-related liver disease.", but to put this into perspective how many people in total are admitted? The story focus is on Southampton, but the General serves a population far wider than the boundaries of Southampton. So how many of those 1,000 are Southampton residents? 7 out 10 RUSHED to the general "...because of drink". Presumably the people who made their own way to the General and therefore were not RUSHED to the general are not counted in this figure? Again people may have gone to the General, but that doesn't mean they are Southampton residents or even drinking in Southampton. Also before tarring the whole of Southampton's population with the same brush maybe some analysis of the people taken to A&E (age for instance) might be useful. Third worst in alcohol related violence. How is this calculated? number of instances reported? Number of arrests? is it the total number or is a number per 1,000 population? without this information the figure is meaningless, apart from sensationalising the story. A poor attempt at a tabloid type story. No wonder the sales of the Echo's paper based edition keep declining. If decent journalists were employed, that wrote articles that examined the facts, instead of just sensationalising press releases produced by other people with their own axes to grind, then the Echo would see its sales grow.[/quote] Erm, it quite clearly says:
[italic][bold]Read the full story in today's Daily Echo[/bold][/italic]
So perhaps you should read the whole thing before criticising it?
There's no way I'm going to take any notice of anything you have to say when you are quite clearly is noticing the most obvious of details such as this.
StatJohn wrote:
Yet another example of tabloid reporting. No analysis of the information. 1,000 admitted to the general "...with alcohol-related liver disease.", but to put this into perspective how many people in total are admitted? The story focus is on Southampton, but the General serves a population far wider than the boundaries of Southampton. So how many of those 1,000 are Southampton residents? 7 out 10 RUSHED to the general "...because of drink". Presumably the people who made their own way to the General and therefore were not RUSHED to the general are not counted in this figure? Again people may have gone to the General, but that doesn't mean they are Southampton residents or even drinking in Southampton. Also before tarring the whole of Southampton's population with the same brush maybe some analysis of the people taken to A&E (age for instance) might be useful. Third worst in alcohol related violence. How is this calculated? number of instances reported? Number of arrests? is it the total number or is a number per 1,000 population? without this information the figure is meaningless, apart from sensationalising the story. A poor attempt at a tabloid type story. No wonder the sales of the Echo's paper based edition keep declining. If decent journalists were employed, that wrote articles that examined the facts, instead of just sensationalising press releases produced by other people with their own axes to grind, then the Echo would see its sales grow.
Erm, it quite clearly says:
Read the full story in today's Daily Echo
So perhaps you should read the whole thing before criticising it?
There's no way I'm going to take any notice of anything you have to say when you are quite clearly is noticing the most obvious of details such as this.
Posted by: Costa Baz on 2:01pm Sat 10 May 08
"Meanwhile seven out of every ten people rushed to Southampton General Hospital's casualty department on Friday and Saturday nights were there because of drink."
[bold]I DIDN'T KNOW THEY HAD A DRINKS LICENCE AT THE GENERAL HOSPITAL!![/bold]
"Meanwhile seven out of every ten people rushed to Southampton General Hospital's casualty department on Friday and Saturday nights were there because of drink."
I DIDN'T KNOW THEY HAD A DRINKS LICENCE AT THE GENERAL HOSPITAL!! Posted by: Hants, Ocean Village on 2:41pm Sat 10 May 08
This is quite an amusing story. Alcohol costs the tax payers millions each week from various resources. The extra Police presence over a weekend because people can't handle the drink, the extra hospital staff because people drink too much and pass out, the underage who smash up public property as they too can't handle the booze the fireservice who are called to house fires as the owners fell asleep under the influence with a fag in the hand etc. Yet the government ban smoking which OK causes health risks, but in comparison to alcohol, the tax payer would be better off if they banned alcohol instead. But no, we ban smoking which doesn't cause people to go off there head. Why do people feel the need to get hammered?
This is quite an amusing story. Alcohol costs the tax payers millions each week from various resources. The extra Police presence over a weekend because people can't handle the drink, the extra hospital staff because people drink too much and pass out, the underage who smash up public property as they too can't handle the booze the fireservice who are called to house fires as the owners fell asleep under the influence with a fag in the hand etc. Yet the government ban smoking which OK causes health risks, but in comparison to alcohol, the tax payer would be better off if they banned alcohol instead. But no, we ban smoking which doesn't cause people to go off there head. Why do people feel the need to get hammered?
Posted by: Benny Fitt, Thornhill on 3:14pm Sat 10 May 08
[quote][bold]Andy[/bold] wrote:
When I read about the damage alcohol can do I immediately gave up reading. [/quote] I'll drink to that Andy!
Andy wrote:
When I read about the damage alcohol can do I immediately gave up reading.
I'll drink to that Andy!
Posted by: Bill, DeSoto MO USA on 3:28pm Sat 10 May 08
[quote][bold]Hants[/bold] wrote:
This is quite an amusing story. Alcohol costs the tax payers millions each week from various resources. The extra Police presence over a weekend because people can't handle the drink, the extra hospital staff because people drink too much and pass out, the underage who smash up public property as they too can't handle the booze the fireservice who are called to house fires as the owners fell asleep under the influence with a fag in the hand etc. Yet the government ban smoking which OK causes health risks, but in comparison to alcohol, the tax payer would be better off if they banned alcohol instead. But no, we ban smoking which doesn't cause people to go off there head. Why do people feel the need to get hammered? [/quote] You are getting pretty close to advocating prohibition, and that worked so well in the '20s. Death and destruction all over the place.
Hants wrote:
This is quite an amusing story. Alcohol costs the tax payers millions each week from various resources. The extra Police presence over a weekend because people can't handle the drink, the extra hospital staff because people drink too much and pass out, the underage who smash up public property as they too can't handle the booze the fireservice who are called to house fires as the owners fell asleep under the influence with a fag in the hand etc. Yet the government ban smoking which OK causes health risks, but in comparison to alcohol, the tax payer would be better off if they banned alcohol instead. But no, we ban smoking which doesn't cause people to go off there head. Why do people feel the need to get hammered?
You are getting pretty close to advocating prohibition, and that worked so well in the '20s. Death and destruction all over the place.
Posted by: Naila, Southampton on 3:37pm Sat 10 May 08
Japlin likes a l'il drinky
Japlin likes a l'il drinky
Posted by: Bambi on 5:08pm Sat 10 May 08
[quote][bold]paul b[/bold] wrote:
Its only people not worth worrying about that do it, let them die early, would save the tax payer loads in the long run[/quote] Erm, those people you have such contempt for [bold]are[/bold] tax payers. Do you get a pound for every moronic, blinkered comment you make or something?
paul b wrote:
Its only people not worth worrying about that do it, let them die early, would save the tax payer loads in the long run
Erm, those people you have such contempt for
are tax payers. Do you get a pound for every moronic, blinkered comment you make or something?
Posted by: Bambi on 5:13pm Sat 10 May 08
[quote][bold]paul b[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]Bungle Byers[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]paul b[/bold] wrote:
Its only people not worth worrying about that do it, let them die early, would save the tax payer loads in the long run[/quote] Alcoholism is an illness and some people have genuine reasons why they are dependant on alcohol. What an idiotic thing to say. I wish people would put some thought into what they write. But then again I've read what paul has had to say before and it's never been anything useful or intelligent.[/quote] I take it your one of the dregs of society then?[/quote] Whereas you're one fine upstanding pillar, I take it? That explains why you spend most of your "life" on here abusing strangers and talking out your @rse. Yep, very worthy, paul, well done. Pri[bold][/bold]ck
paul b wrote:
Bungle Byers wrote:
paul b wrote:
Its only people not worth worrying about that do it, let them die early, would save the tax payer loads in the long run
Alcoholism is an illness and some people have genuine reasons why they are dependant on alcohol. What an idiotic thing to say. I wish people would put some thought into what they write. But then again I've read what paul has had to say before and it's never been anything useful or intelligent.
I take it your one of the dregs of society then?
Whereas you're one fine upstanding pillar, I take it? That explains why you spend most of your "life" on here abusing strangers and talking out your @rse. Yep, very worthy, paul, well done. Pri
ck
Posted by: Lorraine Barter, Southampton on 5:30pm Sat 10 May 08
[quote][bold]lowe and behold[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]Lorraine Barter[/bold] wrote: It is not just the damage to the drinkers that is a national disgrace, in the Polygon student ghetto we have suffered thousands of pounds worth of car and wall damage due to the drunks who leave the local night time economy area, Carlton Place and London Road. For years the residents group has asked the Council to allow fewer bars but nothing has been done, not only is there a new one in Carlton Place but another there wants to stay open until 2 a.m. So the Planning authority needs to bring in Supplementary Planning Guidance to cut down on the numbers of bars in the future. Why has this not been done already ? The Council were aked to do this many years ago and Councillors voted against it. So we know who is to blame ?[/quote] So you are one of the polygon residents group. I suggest if you are so against the anti social behaviour which is being caused WHY DONT YOU MOVE![/quote] I wish to stay in my home for various reasons, one of which is that having no car I need to be near to the city centre, besides us older citizens are not wimps who will be driven out of the city by mindless idiots who are so pathetic they need to drink themselves into
insensibility in order to prove that they are "enjoying themselves".
But yours was a valid question and I respect your opinion.
lowe and behold wrote:
Lorraine Barter wrote: It is not just the damage to the drinkers that is a national disgrace, in the Polygon student ghetto we have suffered thousands of pounds worth of car and wall damage due to the drunks who leave the local night time economy area, Carlton Place and London Road. For years the residents group has asked the Council to allow fewer bars but nothing has been done, not only is there a new one in Carlton Place but another there wants to stay open until 2 a.m. So the Planning authority needs to bring in Supplementary Planning Guidance to cut down on the numbers of bars in the future. Why has this not been done already ? The Council were aked to do this many years ago and Councillors voted against it. So we know who is to blame ?
So you are one of the polygon residents group. I suggest if you are so against the anti social behaviour which is being caused WHY DONT YOU MOVE!
I wish to stay in my home for various reasons, one of which is that having no car I need to be near to the city centre, besides us older citizens are not wimps who will be driven out of the city by mindless idiots who are so pathetic they need to drink themselves into
insensibility in order to prove that they are "enjoying themselves".
But yours was a valid question and I respect your opinion.
Posted by: PATRICIA OTHEN, POLYGON GHETTO on 6:24pm Sat 10 May 08
I agree with Lorraine Barter ,about why should she move away ,she is lucky not owning a car ,mine was damaged almost every month sometimes more ,i was forced to sell it eventually as i could not afford to keep replacing ,wipers broken off ,and mirrors kicked off , my neighborough used to park her car two streets away from kenilworth rd , to try and avoid damage,she had lived at her home for 45 years ,and was eventually driven out at the age of 86. you call the police when you see this damage happening ,but the police come when they can usually when the culprits have long gone ,I love my home I have lived here for 24 years ,when it used to be a nice residential area ,it is such a shame . the police know where the students rat run is ,why dont they do something about it ? catch a few in action and fine them ,word might get around then
I agree with Lorraine Barter ,about why should she move away ,she is lucky not owning a car ,mine was damaged almost every month sometimes more ,i was forced to sell it eventually as i could not afford to keep replacing ,wipers broken off ,and mirrors kicked off , my neighborough used to park her car two streets away from kenilworth rd , to try and avoid damage,she had lived at her home for 45 years ,and was eventually driven out at the age of 86. you call the police when you see this damage happening ,but the police come when they can usually when the culprits have long gone ,I love my home I have lived here for 24 years ,when it used to be a nice residential area ,it is such a shame . the police know where the students rat run is ,why dont they do something about it ? catch a few in action and fine them ,word might get around then
Posted by: suze, southampton on 6:36pm Sat 10 May 08
[quote][bold]Bungle Byers[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]paul b[/bold] wrote: Its only people not worth worrying about that do it, let them die early, would save the tax payer loads in the long run[/quote] Alcoholism is an illness and some people have genuine reasons why they are dependant on alcohol. What an idiotic thing to say. I wish people would put some thought into what they write. But then again I've read what paul has had to say before and it's never been anything useful or intelligent.[/quote] I think that if these had a chance at getting a job and not being taken by low wage immigrants they might feel a lot better about themselves...... what do people expect when these peoples jobs are taken? If they have a habit of drinking and causing violence then lock them up!! but as a dependance advisor most people have lost their jobs that were given to polish, these people feel worthless. As they say think before you act!!!!
Bungle Byers wrote:
paul b wrote: Its only people not worth worrying about that do it, let them die early, would save the tax payer loads in the long run
Alcoholism is an illness and some people have genuine reasons why they are dependant on alcohol. What an idiotic thing to say. I wish people would put some thought into what they write. But then again I've read what paul has had to say before and it's never been anything useful or intelligent.
I think that if these had a chance at getting a job and not being taken by low wage immigrants they might feel a lot better about themselves...... what do people expect when these peoples jobs are taken? If they have a habit of drinking and causing violence then lock them up!! but as a dependance advisor most people have lost their jobs that were given to polish, these people feel worthless. As they say think before you act!!!!
Posted by: Addict, Southampton on 7:20pm Sat 10 May 08
Hows about a bit of crack cocaine more harmful than a couple of sherberts the report is totally wrong!
Hows about a bit of crack cocaine more harmful than a couple of sherberts the report is totally wrong!
Posted by: Bambi on 8:08pm Sat 10 May 08
[quote][bold]suze[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]Bungle Byers[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]paul b[/bold] wrote: Its only people not worth worrying about that do it, let them die early, would save the tax payer loads in the long run[/quote] Alcoholism is an illness and some people have genuine reasons why they are dependant on alcohol. What an idiotic thing to say. I wish people would put some thought into what they write. But then again I've read what paul has had to say before and it's never been anything useful or intelligent.[/quote] I think that if these had a chance at getting a job and not being taken by low wage immigrants they might feel a lot better about themselves...... what do people expect when these peoples jobs are taken? If they have a habit of drinking and causing violence then lock them up!! but as a dependance advisor most people have lost their jobs that were given to polish, these people feel worthless. As they say think before you act!!!![/quote] You realise that people with a decent income can have alcohol problems too, right? You realise that the downright wealthy are highly susceptible to addiction, right? If you're some dependency advisor, and you've got this stereotype of the down-at-heel, unemployed drunkard in your head, you're not qualified to do your job. Not even close, sweetheart
suze wrote:
Bungle Byers wrote:
paul b wrote: Its only people not worth worrying about that do it, let them die early, would save the tax payer loads in the long run
Alcoholism is an illness and some people have genuine reasons why they are dependant on alcohol. What an idiotic thing to say. I wish people would put some thought into what they write. But then again I've read what paul has had to say before and it's never been anything useful or intelligent.
I think that if these had a chance at getting a job and not being taken by low wage immigrants they might feel a lot better about themselves...... what do people expect when these peoples jobs are taken? If they have a habit of drinking and causing violence then lock them up!! but as a dependance advisor most people have lost their jobs that were given to polish, these people feel worthless. As they say think before you act!!!!
You realise that people with a decent income can have alcohol problems too, right? You realise that the downright wealthy are highly susceptible to addiction, right? If you're some dependency advisor, and you've got this stereotype of the down-at-heel, unemployed drunkard in your head, you're not qualified to do your job. Not even close, sweetheart
Posted by: Fred on 8:48pm Sat 10 May 08
[quote][bold]Bambi[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]paul b[/bold] wrote: Its only people not worth worrying about that do it, let them die early, would save the tax payer loads in the long run[/quote] Erm, those people you have such contempt for [bold]are[/bold] tax payers. Do you get a pound for every moronic, blinkered comment you make or something?[/quote] The report doesn't mention the employment or tax paying status of those drunks on a Friday & Saturday night. That information would be interesting and I suspect the middle classes (i.e. those paying almost all the taxes) are under represented and the claiming classes are the main drunks (i.e. those who should be least able to afford the alcohol in the first place).
Bambi wrote:
paul b wrote: Its only people not worth worrying about that do it, let them die early, would save the tax payer loads in the long run
Erm, those people you have such contempt for are tax payers. Do you get a pound for every moronic, blinkered comment you make or something?
The report doesn't mention the employment or tax paying status of those drunks on a Friday & Saturday night. That information would be interesting and I suspect the middle classes (i.e. those paying almost all the taxes) are under represented and the claiming classes are the main drunks (i.e. those who should be least able to afford the alcohol in the first place).
Posted by: Condor Man, Southampton on 9:46am Sun 11 May 08
People choose to drink, it's not compulsory. as for slagging off students most drink-related crime is committed by the lower classes, primarily from the estates as the statistics will prove.
People choose to drink, it's not compulsory. as for slagging off students most drink-related crime is committed by the lower classes, primarily from the estates as the statistics will prove.
Posted by: andrew, nz on 10:03am Sun 11 May 08
And the more mega-nightclubs the council gives the green-light to, the worse the problem will get.
And the more mega-nightclubs the council gives the green-light to, the worse the problem will get.
Posted by: Pukeko, Dunedin, New Zealand on 10:55am Sun 11 May 08
[quote][bold]lowe and behold[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]Lorraine Barter[/bold] wrote: It is not just the damage to the drinkers that is a national disgrace, in the Polygon student ghetto we have suffered thousands of pounds worth of car and wall damage due to the drunks who leave the local night time economy area, Carlton Place and London Road. For years the residents group has asked the Council to allow fewer bars but nothing has been done, not only is there a new one in Carlton Place but another there wants to stay open until 2 a.m. So the Planning authority needs to bring in Supplementary Planning Guidance to cut down on the numbers of bars in the future. Why has this not been done already ? The Council were aked to do this many years ago and Councillors voted against it. So we know who is to blame ?[/quote] So you are one of the polygon residents group. I suggest if you are so against the anti social behaviour which is being caused WHY DONT YOU MOVE![/quote] Why should people who were there first move, because of drunken students puerile, unevolved bahaviour?? Such a statement is the height of arrogance. We have this same problem here in NZ, Dunedin where I am being a city with students. They might have degrees, but their sense and basic ethics of consideration to other people is more than often below the average 10 year old! But I have noticed it's only the Western students that genrally cause all the trouble, Asian ones etc are generally repectful of peopl, propeerty and indeed, the planet. I myself like to drink sometimes, but I don't go round infringing on other's rights, and there is just no need at all to go round yelling in the middle of the night just for the sake of it, esp when some people may have to be up early in the morning. Nor vandalising peoples property, but that goes without saying. If you think thats all cool and fun, then you need to grow up and learn to act like an adult. Having fun is just that so long as it doesnt infringe on others, which is basic common sense, or least should be. You are supposed to be the future professionals of the country, after all, but that seems to be a joke, from all I've seen, here and over there.
lowe and behold wrote:
Lorraine Barter wrote: It is not just the damage to the drinkers that is a national disgrace, in the Polygon student ghetto we have suffered thousands of pounds worth of car and wall damage due to the drunks who leave the local night time economy area, Carlton Place and London Road. For years the residents group has asked the Council to allow fewer bars but nothing has been done, not only is there a new one in Carlton Place but another there wants to stay open until 2 a.m. So the Planning authority needs to bring in Supplementary Planning Guidance to cut down on the numbers of bars in the future. Why has this not been done already ? The Council were aked to do this many years ago and Councillors voted against it. So we know who is to blame ?
So you are one of the polygon residents group. I suggest if you are so against the anti social behaviour which is being caused WHY DONT YOU MOVE!
Why should people who were there first move, because of drunken students puerile, unevolved bahaviour?? Such a statement is the height of arrogance. We have this same problem here in NZ, Dunedin where I am being a city with students. They might have degrees, but their sense and basic ethics of consideration to other people is more than often below the average 10 year old! But I have noticed it's only the Western students that genrally cause all the trouble, Asian ones etc are generally repectful of peopl, propeerty and indeed, the planet. I myself like to drink sometimes, but I don't go round infringing on other's rights, and there is just no need at all to go round yelling in the middle of the night just for the sake of it, esp when some people may have to be up early in the morning. Nor vandalising peoples property, but that goes without saying. If you think thats all cool and fun, then you need to grow up and learn to act like an adult. Having fun is just that so long as it doesnt infringe on others, which is basic common sense, or least should be. You are supposed to be the future professionals of the country, after all, but that seems to be a joke, from all I've seen, here and over there.
Posted by: Lorraine Barter, Southampton on 11:52am Sun 11 May 08
[quote][bold]Condor Man[/bold] wrote:
People choose to drink, it\\\\\\\'s not compulsory. as for slagging off students most drink-related crime is committed by the lower classes, primarily from the estates as the statistics will prove.[/quote] I agree that other areas do have problems connected to drinking but when the Polygon was home to the so called working classes, not students, there were none of these problems.
You only have to see the students arriving with their parents to see that most are not working class, and perhaps that makes some of them think they are above the law of the land.
What law ???
If only we had some !
The Universities should do more to instill responsibility in their students as they choose to bring them here and drive out tax paying citizens.
Condor Man wrote:
People choose to drink, it\\\\'s not compulsory. as for slagging off students most drink-related crime is committed by the lower classes, primarily from the estates as the statistics will prove.
I agree that other areas do have problems connected to drinking but when the Polygon was home to the so called working classes, not students, there were none of these problems.
You only have to see the students arriving with their parents to see that most are not working class, and perhaps that makes some of them think they are above the law of the land.
What law ???
If only we had some !
The Universities should do more to instill responsibility in their students as they choose to bring them here and drive out tax paying citizens.
Posted by: Lorraine Barter, Southampton on 11:53am Sun 11 May 08
[quote][bold]Condor Man[/bold] wrote:
People choose to drink, it\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'s not compulsory. as for slagging off students most drink-related crime is committed by the lower classes, primarily from the estates as the statistics will prove.[/quote] I agree that other areas do have problems connected to drinking but when the Polygon was home to the so called working classes, not students, there were none of these problems.
You only have to see the students arriving with their parents to see that most are not working class, and perhaps that makes some of them think they are above the law of the land.
What law ???
If only we had some !
The Universities should do more to instill responsibility in their students as they choose to bring them here and drive out tax paying citizens.
Condor Man wrote:
People choose to drink, it\\\\\\\\\\\\'s not compulsory. as for slagging off students most drink-related crime is committed by the lower classes, primarily from the estates as the statistics will prove.
I agree that other areas do have problems connected to drinking but when the Polygon was home to the so called working classes, not students, there were none of these problems.
You only have to see the students arriving with their parents to see that most are not working class, and perhaps that makes some of them think they are above the law of the land.
What law ???
If only we had some !
The Universities should do more to instill responsibility in their students as they choose to bring them here and drive out tax paying citizens.
Posted by: Paramjit Bahia, Southampton on 4:03pm Sun 11 May 08
[quote][bold]Lorraine Barter[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]Condor Man[/bold] wrote: People choose to drink, it\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'s not compulsory. as for slagging off students most drink-related crime is committed by the lower classes, primarily from the estates as the statistics will prove.[/quote] I agree that other areas do have problems connected to drinking but when the Polygon was home to the so called working classes, not students, there were none of these problems. You only have to see the students arriving with their parents to see that most are not working class, and perhaps that makes some of them think they are above the law of the land. What law ??? If only we had some ! The Universities should do more to instill responsibility in their students as they choose to bring them here and drive out tax paying citizens.[/quote] Whole issue should be looked at objectively. Yes there is a problem in Polygon area, but this area is still better than many others.
Although some people from the area love student bashing they alone are not the cause. Due to closeness to some clubs many other people also pass through these streets.
Problem can only be resolved by police taking action against the law breakers and Council cracking hard on irresponsible drinking dens through out Southampton.
Lorraine Barter wrote:
Condor Man wrote: People choose to drink, it\\\\\\\\\\\\'s not compulsory. as for slagging off students most drink-related crime is committed by the lower classes, primarily from the estates as the statistics will prove.
I agree that other areas do have problems connected to drinking but when the Polygon was home to the so called working classes, not students, there were none of these problems. You only have to see the students arriving with their parents to see that most are not working class, and perhaps that makes some of them think they are above the law of the land. What law ??? If only we had some ! The Universities should do more to instill responsibility in their students as they choose to bring them here and drive out tax paying citizens.
Whole issue should be looked at objectively. Yes there is a problem in Polygon area, but this area is still better than many others.
Although some people from the area love student bashing they alone are not the cause. Due to closeness to some clubs many other people also pass through these streets.
Problem can only be resolved by police taking action against the law breakers and Council cracking hard on irresponsible drinking dens through out Southampton.
Posted by: paul b on 4:28pm Sun 11 May 08
[quote][bold]Bambi[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]paul b[/bold] wrote:
Its only people not worth worrying about that do it, let them die early, would save the tax payer loads in the long run[/quote] Erm, those people you have such contempt for [bold]are[/bold] tax payers. Do you get a pound for every moronic, blinkered comment you make or something?[/quote] The majority are benefit claiming scumbags
Bambi wrote:
paul b wrote:
Its only people not worth worrying about that do it, let them die early, would save the tax payer loads in the long run
Erm, those people you have such contempt for are tax payers. Do you get a pound for every moronic, blinkered comment you make or something?
The majority are benefit claiming scumbags
Posted by: Sue, Southampton on 6:29pm Sun 11 May 08
Why do they waste the NHS money sending them to hospital? They are abusive to the staff. They should be locked up in police cells until they are sober and then made to clean up the streets of the vandalism caused by drunks. The coucil does nothing. It just encourages alcohol to be sold at all events - Christmas Market, Caribbean Day etc. It extends licences and allows more places to sell alcohol. The students just have too much money, too much spare time and no common sense.
Why do they waste the NHS money sending them to hospital? They are abusive to the staff. They should be locked up in police cells until they are sober and then made to clean up the streets of the vandalism caused by drunks. The coucil does nothing. It just encourages alcohol to be sold at all events - Christmas Market, Caribbean Day etc. It extends licences and allows more places to sell alcohol. The students just have too much money, too much spare time and no common sense.
Posted by: Paramjit Bahia, Southampton on 7:02pm Sun 11 May 08
[quote][bold]Sue[/bold] wrote:
Why do they waste the NHS money sending them to hospital? They are abusive to the staff. They should be locked up in police cells until they are sober and then made to clean up the streets of the vandalism caused by drunks. The coucil does nothing. It just encourages alcohol to be sold at all events - Christmas Market, Caribbean Day etc. It extends licences and allows more places to sell alcohol. The students just have too much money, too much spare time and no common sense. [/quote] Some of Sue's suggestions may sound nice, but people can't be made to clean the streets till the courts order community service.
Some of the students may be creating annoying situation but by law of average they do not go on attacking other people, which is mainly the speciality of our local yobs.
Yes Council as Licensing Authority has lot to answer for. All the political groups are represented on Licensing Committee in my experience some of the Councillors do not exercise their powers properly. This irresponsibility (In my view) has created this unsavoury situation.
Sue wrote:
Why do they waste the NHS money sending them to hospital? They are abusive to the staff. They should be locked up in police cells until they are sober and then made to clean up the streets of the vandalism caused by drunks. The coucil does nothing. It just encourages alcohol to be sold at all events - Christmas Market, Caribbean Day etc. It extends licences and allows more places to sell alcohol. The students just have too much money, too much spare time and no common sense.
Some of Sue's suggestions may sound nice, but people can't be made to clean the streets till the courts order community service.
Some of the students may be creating annoying situation but by law of average they do not go on attacking other people, which is mainly the speciality of our local yobs.
Yes Council as Licensing Authority has lot to answer for. All the political groups are represented on Licensing Committee in my experience some of the Councillors do not exercise their powers properly. This irresponsibility (In my view) has created this unsavoury situation.
Posted by: Bambi on 9:26am Mon 12 May 08
[quote][bold]Fred[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]Bambi[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]paul b[/bold] wrote: Its only people not worth worrying
about that do it, let them die early, would save the tax payer loads in
the long run[/quote] Erm, those people you have such contempt for
[bold]are[/bold] tax payers. Do you get a pound for every moronic,
blinkered comment you make or something?[/quote] The report doesn\\\'t
mention the employment or tax paying status of those drunks on a Friday
& Saturday night. That information would be interesting and I
suspect the middle classes (i.e. those paying almost all the taxes) are
under represented and the claiming classes are the main drunks (i.e.
those who should be least able to afford the alcohol in the first
place).[/quote] I wasn't referring merely to [italic]income[/italic] tax. Alcohol is taxed, too, remember. And, yes, they [italic]may[/italic] be drinking smuggled alcohol, but I think it's clutching at straws to use that argument
Fred wrote:
Bambi wrote:
paul b wrote: Its only people not worth worrying
about that do it, let them die early, would save the tax payer loads in
the long run
Erm, those people you have such contempt for
are tax payers. Do you get a pound for every moronic,
blinkered comment you make or something?
The report doesn't
mention the employment or tax paying status of those drunks on a Friday
& Saturday night. That information would be interesting and I
suspect the middle classes (i.e. those paying almost all the taxes) are
under represented and the claiming classes are the main drunks (i.e.
those who should be least able to afford the alcohol in the first
place).
I wasn't referring merely to
income tax. Alcohol is taxed, too, remember. And, yes, they
may be drinking smuggled alcohol, but I think it's clutching at straws to use that argument
Posted by: Liz Hurley on 4:20pm Mon 12 May 08
[quote][bold]Geroge the Dullard[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]Family Man[/bold] wrote: [quote][bold]Ian[/bold] wrote: Isnt it funny that with Alcohol abuse a huge, expensive problem the government concentrates on re classifying Cannabis. Is a case of getting your priorities right. Still what do we know?[/quote] Perhaps it is no coincidence that the government derives a very considerable amount of excise duty and VAT from alcohol whereas they derive nothing from cannabis.[/quote] If they wanted to put tax on cannabis they could, so I don\'t think that\'s the problem.[/quote] Eeeeer, cannabis is illegal and people buy it from dealers not regulated supplier such as 'shops'. How would the government tax it?
Geroge the Dullard wrote:
Family Man wrote: Ian wrote: Isnt it funny that with Alcohol abuse a huge, expensive problem the government concentrates on re classifying Cannabis. Is a case of getting your priorities right. Still what do we know?
Perhaps it is no coincidence that the government derives a very considerable amount of excise duty and VAT from alcohol whereas they derive nothing from cannabis.
If they wanted to put tax on cannabis they could, so I don\'t think that\'s the problem.
Eeeeer, cannabis is illegal and people buy it from dealers not regulated supplier such as 'shops'. How would the government tax it?
Posted by: Gilmore, Shirley, Southampton on 10:36pm Mon 12 May 08
Having just been to Eastern Europe, it's clear to me that the problem is not a lack of police, an abundance of pubs or the extended licensing laws. The problem is cultural.
In this country there's an ethos that getting bladdered out of your mind is great way to enjoy yourself. But if you walk down the drinking centre of Zagreb, Croatia, you see young people drinking half pints of lager all night, chatting, having a great time dancing and partying until 9am. No violence or insanity, no hangover of doom, and a lot cheaper than necking Red Bull and Vodkas all night.
It's not drinking laws that have to change, it's about attitude and responsibility, and that includes bar staff and managers.
Having just been to Eastern Europe, it's clear to me that the problem is not a lack of police, an abundance of pubs or the extended licensing laws. The problem is cultural.
In this country there's an ethos that getting bladdered out of your mind is great way to enjoy yourself. But if you walk down the drinking centre of Zagreb, Croatia, you see young people drinking half pints of lager all night, chatting, having a great time dancing and partying until 9am. No violence or insanity, no hangover of doom, and a lot cheaper than necking Red Bull and Vodkas all night.
It's not drinking laws that have to change, it's about attitude and responsibility, and that includes bar staff and managers.
Posted by: Lorraine Barter, Southampton on 11:01pm Tue 13 May 08
[quote][bold]Paramjit Bahia[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]Sue[/bold] wrote: Why do they waste the NHS money sending them to hospital? They are abusive to the staff. They should be locked up in police cells until they are sober and then made to clean up the streets of the vandalism caused by drunks. The coucil does nothing. It just encourages alcohol to be sold at all events - Christmas Market, Caribbean Day etc. It extends licences and allows more places to sell alcohol. The students just have too much money, too much spare time and no common sense. [/quote] Some of Sue's suggestions may sound nice, but people can't be made to clean the streets till the courts order community service. Some of the students may be creating annoying situation but by law of average they do not go on attacking other people, which is mainly the speciality of our local yobs. Yes Council as Licensing Authority has lot to answer for. All the political groups are represented on Licensing Committee in my experience some of the Councillors do not exercise their powers properly. This irresponsibility (In my view) has created this unsavoury situation.[/quote] The Council will not allow Polygon residents to object to licences because the Government changed the rules to exclud people living in roads such as those that lead off from Bedford Place.
Even when we were allowed to object few of us were able to stay out all night gathering evidence against each licensed venue, and even then the bar owners would get a top solicitor to convince the Panel that the objectors were unreliable witnesses. It is any wonder the people just move out of the city in search of some peace and quiet. ?
Paramjit Bahia wrote:
Sue wrote: Why do they waste the NHS money sending them to hospital? They are abusive to the staff. They should be locked up in police cells until they are sober and then made to clean up the streets of the vandalism caused by drunks. The coucil does nothing. It just encourages alcohol to be sold at all events - Christmas Market, Caribbean Day etc. It extends licences and allows more places to sell alcohol. The students just have too much money, too much spare time and no common sense.
Some of Sue's suggestions may sound nice, but people can't be made to clean the streets till the courts order community service. Some of the students may be creating annoying situation but by law of average they do not go on attacking other people, which is mainly the speciality of our local yobs. Yes Council as Licensing Authority has lot to answer for. All the political groups are represented on Licensing Committee in my experience some of the Councillors do not exercise their powers properly. This irresponsibility (In my view) has created this unsavoury situation.
The Council will not allow Polygon residents to object to licences because the Government changed the rules to exclud people living in roads such as those that lead off from Bedford Place.
Even when we were allowed to object few of us were able to stay out all night gathering evidence against each licensed venue, and even then the bar owners would get a top solicitor to convince the Panel that the objectors were unreliable witnesses. It is any wonder the people just move out of the city in search of some peace and quiet. ?
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