Alcohol ban planned for Wooler parks

Wooler Parish Council has expressed interest in the introduction of a public space protection order around the play areas in Scott’s Park and Bryson’s Park, along with the skate park.

“There isn’t any reason why anyone should be drinking there, but it just gives the police another string to their bow,” said Coun Angus Murray, vice chairman.

Coun Robert Donkin added: “Drinking in those areas hasn’t been a problem lately but it was for a while.”

Members did not want such an order to apply to the whole of both parks because it would impact on outdoor events.

However, members did not feel the order needed to be introduced in the town centre.

“I don’t think we need it on the High Street,” said Coun Murray. “We don’t have a persistent problem with the night-time economy.”