Community Alcohol Partnership launches in Bridgnorth

Bridgnorth’s Community Alcohol Partnership (BCAP) is one of several CAP groups set up to oversee a new scheme to tackle underage drinking in Shropshire, and will be working with young people and residents around Crown Meadow Park in Bridgnorth.

The scheme has been developed thanks to funding of £90,000 over 2 years through the Department of Communities and Local Government.

Crown Meadow is one of several parks in Shropshire to have secured a share from The Alcohol Fund. Other parks include Caer Glas Park in Oswestry and Jubilee Park in Whitchurch. The parks had been identified as having seasonal summertime issues around underage drinking and associated anti-social behaviour.

The funding has allowed the Bridgnorth Community Alcohol Partnership (BCAP) to be set up to deliver an action plan at local level to meet the local needs. This will include addressing underage drinking and associated anti-social behaviour, using Crown Meadow as the focus for creating dialogue between young people and the local community; and using the assets within Crown Meadow and the community to provide positive activities for young people.

Bridgnorth’s Community Alcohol Partnership are asking local residents and anyone interested in supporting the scheme to come along to the event at the Crown Inn, High Street, Bridgnorth from 9.30am to 11.30am.

Steve Charmley, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member with responsibility for public protection, said:

“Our vision is to promote a culture where the whole community, in partnership with services, address underage drinking in order to improve the overall quality of life for everyone who lives near Crown Meadow and/or uses its facilities.

“The community has a key role to play in how the project is delivered locally. The engagement and support of local residents and users of Crown Meadow, including young people, will be an important contributing factor to the overall success of the project. The more people who become involved, the greater the success will be.”

John Hurst-Knight, Chair of BCAP, and a local Shropshire Councillor for Bridgnorth West and Tasley, said:

“This programme has great support in the community and will give benefit to the health of teenagers in Bridgnorth. We hope many local residents will be able to join us to learn more about this exciting initiative and how they can get involved.”

William Parr, a local Shropshire Councillor for Bridgnorth East and Astley Abbots, said:

“I wholeheartedly support the BCAP overseeing a new scheme to tackle underage drinking in Shropshire, and working with young people and residents around the Crown Meadow in Bridgnorth. The BCAP is a positive step in addressing underage drinking and anti-social behaviour.”

For more information about the scheme and to get involved contact Tom Brettell, senior community action officer, on 01743 253209.