By Councillor David Simpson, Merton Council (Conservative crime prevention spokesman, Hillside ward)
I am pleased that the decision to implement a Controlled Drinking Zone in Mitcham has been made at last.
What saddens me is why it has taken Mitcham Councillors so long to listen to the concerns of local residents.
Had they and the Labour administration taken action earlier then this Controlled Drinking Zone could have been implemented well before the long summer evenings, reducing disturbance and stress for residents during the summer months when drunken disorder tends to be at its worst.
Fortunately this issue ought not to recur in future as proposals pushed through by Conservative councillors in July mean the council and police will be obliged to act to tackle hotspots of alcohol-related disorder as soon as they reach a certain level anywhere in Merton.
Make sure your voice is heard by sending your letter to: letters@wimbledonguardian.co.uk
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