Night-time revellers should be taxed to enter Colchester to pay for clearing the mess left in their wake.

The idea by a Tory councillor would see drinkers barred from entering the town's pubs and clubs unless they can prove they have paid to use Colchester for their night out.

It was suggested by Matthew Eaton (Con, Mile End), who at 24 years old is one of Colchester's youngest councillors, during a debate on street cleaning at Colchester Council's overview and scrutiny panel last night

Town visitors would pay a charge of about £1 to get a date-stamped card to be allowed into pubs and clubs. Colchester residents would not have to pay, and it would not apply to restaurants.

Mr Eaton said: "I have always thought it would be a good idea to tax people to come into the town to clean up the litter."

Councillors had expressed concern about the state of the town, and urged extra investment in street cleaning.

Published Wednesday, August 6, 2003

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