An alcohol action area has helped reduce street drinking problems in a Fenland town.

Wisbech was made a Home Office local alcohol action area (LAAA) in January 2017 in a bid to tackle alcohol-related anti-social behaviour.

A 13-point Wisbech alcohol project plan was drawn up by Fenland District Council through the Wisbech Alcohol Partnership (WAP).

It included four alcohol-related public spaces protection orders (PSPO's) covering parts of the town.

Since they came into force on October 20, police say there have been

five occasions when officers have disposed of alcohol and 'persons provided with education and prevention advice'.

Patrols have been stepped up in problem areas. Street drinkers have been given advice on how to seek treatment and a multi-lingual recovery worker has been recruited.

David Oliver, Fenland District Council's cabinet member for community safety and chairman of the Fenland Community Safety Partnership, said: 'A lot has been happening to tackle street drinking issues in Wisbech since our successful bid to become a Local Alcohol Action Area a year ago.

'Through the Wisbech Alcohol Partnership, we have been working closely with the police, partner agencies, community organisations and residents to address alcohol misuse and alcohol-related antisocial behaviour. We have taken a number of proactive steps and I'm pleased to say we are making steady and noticeable progress.

'The work has included the implementation of a tougher enforcement regime to address residents' street drinking concerns, alongside efforts to engage with street drinkers and offer them ongoing support which is vital to alleviate the issues long-term.

'We understand the impact these issues have on the local community, and on those who are alcohol dependent, which is why we will continue to do everything in our power to ensure people are able to feel safe and enjoy Wisbech, and also to get the help they need.'

Wisbech Alcohol Partnership ran a morning after campaign during December to help support and reduce the risk of drink drive and alcohol related traffic incidents in Fenland.

Funding from the Government's Controlling Migration Fund, has also enabled two dedicated street drinking outreach workers to be recruited to speak to street drinkers in Wisbech and mitigate the impact of alcohol misuse on local people.