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MP shocked by amount of alcohol on the streets
UNDER-AGE drinking on the streets has left a borough MP 'shocked and dismayed' after he witnessed the level of disorder caused by drunk youths.
Blyth Valley MP, Ronnie Campbell, saw first hand the anti-social behaviour that is blighting many people's lives, when he joined officers on patrol.
Mr Campbell spent a Friday night with officers from the police and the council's anti-social behaviour unit, as part of an on-going operation to tackle disorder in the borough.
He saw for himself the problems caused by under-age drinking after witnessing the arrest of two teenagers for fighting.
"I found it extremely useful to be out with the officers and see the reality of the situation for myself," he said.
"Most of what I witnessed was low-level anti-social behaviour and disorder.
"However I was shocked and dismayed by the amount of alcohol on the streets and the number of young people who were clearly drunk."
Mr Campbell called on parents to be more vigilant about the activities of their children.
"The police and the anti-social behaviour team are clearly doing an excellent job, and they continue to have my full support in their efforts to make Blyth Valley a safer place to live," he added.
"However, I must appeal to all parents whose youngsters are on the streets on an evening to do something about the alcohol situation.
"We need your support and intervention to stop this supply, and I include adults who knowingly purchase alcohol for young people.
"We are trying to improve the quality of life for everyone and I am in no doubt whatsoever that alcohol is the root cause of many problems.
"The fight I witnessed was between two 15-year-old boys who were drunk just after 8pm.
"This must be frightening for local residents."
Manager of the anti-social behaviour unit, Ian Johnson, said: "Mr Campbell had the opportunity to see for himself what concerns residents have and the efforts we are making to deal with the problem.
"I can only endorse his comments about stemming the flow of alcohol to young people."
Sector Inspector at Blyth police, Dave Jewell, added: "It is good to see that we have such commitment from our local MP who is clearly supportive of the work being done to improve the quality of life issues for the residents of Blyth Valley."
Residents can report incidents of anti-social behaviour to the anti-social behaviour unit on 01670 542060, e-mail asbunit@blythvalley.gov.uk or contact Northumbria Police on (01661) 872555.
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Weather for Blyth
Saturday 04 February 2012
Today
Light sleet
Temperature: -0 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 22 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 2 C to 7 C
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