ADDITIONAL powers to reduce alcohol-related disorder in the centre of Okehampton are in the pipeline.

Alcohol-related anti-social behaviour in the town centre led West Devon Borough Council to consult various organisations about the problem, including licensees, local businesses and youth services.

Now, the borough aims to introduce a Designated Public Place Order (DPPO) to tackle nuisance from people acting anti-socially through drinking.

A DPPO does not stop people drinking alcohol in public places, but it does give more powers to police to require people to stop drinking and to confiscate their alcohol if appropriate.

The new initiative has been proposed to West Devon Borough Council at the request of Okehampton Town Council and the police.

Mayor of Okehampton Cllr David Weekes said: 'West Devon Police and Okehampton Town Council have listened to the concerns of residents, visitors and shopkeepers in the centre of the town and feel that a DPPO will be another effective tool to combat disorder, wanton criminal damage and anti-social behaviour in the town.

'I would like to emphasise that, if implemented, the centre of Okehampton will not become an alcohol-free zone.

'Drinking in itself will not become an offence, only failure to comply with authorised officers' instructions.'

Some of the areas which will have the DPPO include the footpath from Oaklands Drive to the end of the adopted highway at Glenacre Road outside Okehampton Primary School, the access to Simmons Park, Okehampton College car park, the footpath from School Way to the Ockment Community Centre, Fore Street, Jacobs Pool, Market Street, Mill Cottages and Mill Road.

Other areas include, Badgers Holt, Upcott Hill, West Street, the road to the Recreation Ground, Okehampton Rugby Football Ground, School Way, Simmons Park, St James Street, The Arcade, The Mart, Northfield Road and many more.

Chairman of Okehampton Chamber of Trade Ian Bailey said his members were happy about the DPPO being introduced and hoped it would reduce the level of criminal damage to commercial properties.

'I often see bottles and glass left around on the streets, which have to be picked up on a Sunday morning, so that will obviously cease.

'It's mainly the drinking in the street which is a problem and we are also hoping it will curb underage drinking and the damage that often occurs through that.'

Mr Bailey said the new DPPO would make a big difference to the town: 'I don't think it could do anything other than good for Okehampton and improve the image of the town.'

Reports show crime levels are low in Okehampton, but a third of crimes reported in the town have alcohol as a contributory cause.

While the DPPO order can only be made by West Devon Borough Council, it has been instigated through the South Devon and Dartmoor Community Safety Partnership with the full support of the town council and police.

Similar orders already exist in Tavistock and Bere Alston and, if approved, this would be the third such order for West Devon.

Other towns in Devon with DPPOs include Totnes, Dartmouth, Kingsbridge and Salcombe along with Callington in East Cornwall.

The order is due to be implemented from the beginning of December.

Any persons wishing to make representations regarding the proposal to make the order should write to Lesley Halton, Corporate director, West Devon Borough Council, Kilworthy Park, Tavistock, PL19 0BZ or by email to [email protected]">[email protected]