Recognition for partnership tackling underage drinking

A partnership tackling underage drinking and alcohol-related youth disorder in Blyth has been recognised at an awards ceremony in London.
Pc Phil Gibson, Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Vera Baird QC, Pc Billy Mulligan at the event at Westminster.Pc Phil Gibson, Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Vera Baird QC, Pc Billy Mulligan at the event at Westminster.
Pc Phil Gibson, Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Vera Baird QC, Pc Billy Mulligan at the event at Westminster.

Officers from Blyth Neighbourhood Policing team were invited to Westminster for the Community Partnership Awards, which recognises the importance of partnership work being carried out to safeguard vulnerable young people.

Blyth Community Alcohol Partnership (CAP) was launched in May, and brings together partners from Safer Northumberland, Northumbria Police, Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, local retailers and licensees, health services, housing providers and schools to tackle the problem of underage drinking and associated anti-social behaviour.

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Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Vera Baird QC said: “The CAP partnership in Blyth has proved really effective and I am delighted that the work of all concerned has been recognised at a national level.

“Northumbria Police will continue to work with partners to ensure that we continue to tackle underage drinking and anti-social behaviour in the town.

PC Billy Mulligan said: “I was delighted to hear that we had been shortlisted for the award. Although we have only started the partnership recently it is beginning to have a really important impact in our communities. Underage drinking can be a real problem causing anti-social behaviour here in Blyth but also makes young people more vulnerable.”

“Our CAP has worked really hard to target adults who may be buying children alcohol and making them aware of the damage it can cause and that it is also criminal offence.

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“None of the would have been possible without local shops and businesses taking part in helping us promote this work. We are really proud to serve our communities here in Blyth and hope that this work will continue to benefit all of the town.”

Coun Liz Simpson, Chair of Safer Northumberland, said: “This is an excellent example of agencies working together at a local level to tackle community concerns.

“It’s great that the project was recognised at a national level and we look forward to the partnership continuing to benefit local residents and keep driving down alcohol-related disorder in the area.”