THE results of an in-depth survey involving hundreds of people in Bere Alston will be revealed at an event in the village tonight (Thursday).

The survey, organised by West Devon Community Safety Partnership, was instigated after residents raised a petition to the borough council, calling for a drinking ban in the streets of the village.

Sgt Dave Anningm of the Partnership, said: ?The borough council realised there was more to the problem than just a drink ban.

?Through the survey, we are looking at the problem from a holistic point of view, rather than just trying to impose an alcohol ban ? this could actually be a really ground-breaking piece of work.?

Sgt Anning said there was a ?culture of drinking? in the streets of Bere Alston ? not necessarily the under 18s ? which was associated with anti-social behaviour.

?And anti-social behaviour is largely a perception,? he said. ?There isn?t actually a problem in the area with assaults or anything but people don?t like walking past groups of young men drinking.?

He said it was felt that clubs and organisations for young people in Bere Alston did not appear to be working effectively.

The survey was intended to find out not only what people wanted for the village ? but what they were prepared to do about it. An alcohol ban could then be imposed in tandem with measures to improve or create alternative activities or facilities.

?It?s very important people decide what they want ? and do it themselves. We are happy to give things a jump-start but what we don?t want to do is be there in six months to a year?s time,? said Sgt Anning.

The survey results will be released at a cheese and wine evening in the village hall this evening.

Sgt Anning said: ?This is really an opportunity to get the whole ball rolling. Even if people did not take part in the survey, they are still welcome to come along.?

Sgt Anning said work by the Community Safety Partnership in conjunction with Horrabridge Youth Club had been extremely effective, reducing petty crime in the area considerably.

He hoped a holistic and proactive approach would be every bit as successful in Bere Alston.

The Rev Nick Law, vicar of Bere Alston, said: ?We had a good response to the survey. Lots of people turned out for it, it was a good community activity and people were enthusiastic.

?If plenty of people turn out for the meeting to push it forward it will be a really useful piece of work.

?There is a lot of feeling in the village and anything that brings people together and gets them working together has to be applauded.?

The cheese and wine evening begins at 7pm ? all are welcome.