Welshpool’s youth does not want alcohol banned from the town centre, hitting plans for the implementation of a booze ban.
Just 49 per cent of local youth support an alcohol ban according to the results of a public consultation released by the Town Council to decide its priorities over the next four years.
And while a clamp down on anti-social behaviour and a cleaner town were broadly supported by residents, both young and old alike, a glaring difference of opinion has become obvious over the suggestion of banning alcohol in central public areas.
“This was a very interesting exercise that has shown what the people of Welshpool see as their most important issues, no matter what their ages are,” said Town Clerk, Robert Robsinson. “The debate over the alcohol ban is of particular interest given the opposition it appears to have from the town’s youth.”
Nearly 700 residents took part in the consultation, 271 of which were aged under 18. On the question of the ban, an overwhelming 82 per cent of the town’s adults said they supported it but just 49 per cent of the youngsters agreed. It means that unless there is a change of heart in the second round of consultation this month, the ban is unlikely to be supported by the Town Council during the next four years.
One of the town's most notorious unofficial 'booze' spots over the past 20 years has fallen victim to progress. The benches located opposite the Spar have been removed to make way for the new one-way system.