A drive to persuade retailers not to sell alcohol to homeless people with drink problems is being looked into by police.

A Colchester police problem-solving team is in the process of drafting letters to licensed retailers flagging up the idea aimed at cracking down on drink-fuelled trouble in the town.

Based on retailers' responses, police could then consider whether to designate certain areas of the town as no-drinking zones.

The plan, which targets vagrants and binge drinkers who consume alcohol in problem areas, including Osborne Street and the area surrounding St Botolph's Priory, was introduced at a Pubwatch meeting on Wednesday.

Published Friday, January 31, 2003

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