Off licences in Croydon town centre are backing the bid to beat binge drinking by taking high strength beer and cider off their shelves.

The scheme is an attempt to try and improve people’s health and combat antisocial behaviour.

In a letter to traders Councillor Mark Watson, the cabinet member for safety and justice, thanked them for their support and said recent police visits to the town centre already showed a reduction in the availability of high strength products.

Traders taking part in the scheme have also been sent a poster to display in their windows showing their support for the initiative.

Coun Watson said: “Saying no to super-strength cheap booze sales, supports our efforts to tackle the binge-drinking culture and to help people who are struggling with this addiction.

“It will also help us to combat the crime, disorder and antisocial behaviour associated with these sales.”

If the initiative proves a success it will be rolled out to other parts of the borough.