Fed-up traders have called for a zero-tolerance booze ban on the streets of Clacton in a bid to cut crime.

Bad image - chamber of trade chairman Pierre Oxley says there are "far too many drunks on the seafront and in the town".

The move would see outdoor drinking outlawed to try to attract more tourists to the seaside town.

The newly-revamped Clacton Chamber of Trade has just been launched in an effort to restore business in the resort to its former glory.

It claims a total alcohol ban on the streets will cut crime, anti-social behaviour and bring trade and tourists back to the town.

Led by newly-elected chairman and Tendring councillor Pierre Oxley, the chamber is set to push for a strict bylaw to come into force.

Mr Oxley said: "There is far too much drinking in the town centre and it's a major contribution to crime.

"I think it causes crime in the town centre and people stealing. And from the tourism point of view, it's putting people off coming here."

More in today's Evening Gazette

Published Thursday, September 16, 2004