Funds for steet drinkers' wet zone dries up but outreach workers will begin soon (From Essex County Standard)

Funds for steet drinkers' wet zone dries up but outreach workers will begin soon

10:24am Wednesday 20th March 2013 in News

COLCHESTER’S street drinkers will not get their wet zone back.
 

A controversial designated drinking area was set up at the April Centre on Tuesday afternoons.
 

Street drinkers were invited in and allowed to drink while being offered support by those at the charity.
 

And the scheme became a great success with many people getting help and a reduction in anti-social behaviour and drinking on the street.
 

But the funding ran out and there is no more money available.
 

However, rather than abandoning those who need help entirely, Colchester Council has set aside £15,000 on outreach workers who will go to them instead.
 

And meetings have been held this week to work out the details.
 

Tim Young, councillor responsible for community safety, said: “We had a very productive meeting about how to deal with street drinkers which we know has been an issue for some time.
 

“We are working with police on a two pronged approach of engagement and enforcement.”

See the full story in Thursday's Gazette.