Victory in campaign for alcohol free zone in Cricklewood

11.40.51pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 12th Apr 2010

An alcohol free zone will be introduced in Cricklewood after a long campaign by Liberal Democrat Councillors and local residents

Childs Hill Liberal Democrat Councillors are claiming victory for their campaign for an Alcohol Free Zone in Cricklewood.

A report going to Barnet's Cabinet on 12 April will recommend an Alcohol Free Zone in Cricklewood. This represents an about turn for Barnet Conservatives. When Lib Dem ward councillor Monroe Palmer proposed the Controlled Drinking Zone some time ago, the Conservatives voted it down.

Now, following a campaign by local people and supported by Liberal Democrat Councillors, the Alcohol Free Zone looks like it will get the go ahead.

Childs Hill Councillor Jack Cohen, Leader of the Liberal Democrats on Barnet Council, is delighted that the Council has now seen sense. "We had the ridiculous situation where our neighbouring Boroughs of Brent and Camden had Alcohol Free Zones covering their area of Cricklewood. The result was that problem street drinkers simply came across the road into Barnet where the law could not touch them."

The zone will not affect off-licences, cafes or pubs, but will give the police the power to confiscate alcohol from street drinkers. Cllr Cohen praised resident and amenity groups for their efforts. "It shows you what can be achieved when the community work together and none of us were prepared to take no for an answer."