The legacy of a £70,000 investment in tackling alcohol abuse continues to be felt across Burton upon Trent and East Staffordshire.

In 2008 the Local Strategic Partnership- a coalition of private, voluntary and community sectors- pooled funding in an effort to tackle the harm and effect of alcohol. Funding came from a variety of organisations with out with South Staffs PCT providing the largest financial contribution.

A steering group, chaired by Councillor Julia Jessel, drew up an action plan for how the money should be spent. Membership of the group included the Borough Council, Staffordshire County Council, South Staffs PCT, Burton Addiction Centre, Staffordshire Police and Fire Services.

Activities undertaken in the action plan included

• Alcohol retail training for licensed premise staff in Burton Town Centre
• High visibility jackets for door staff
• Improved CCTV coverage
• Operation Super Vampire eventsThe appointment of an alcohol liaison worker

Since February 2009 the Alcohol Liaison Worker has worked with nearly a 1,000 individuals that have committed alcohol related offences. Due to the work undertaken, a significant number of people have been able to access services to treat alcohol related health problems, providing an opportunity for those individuals abusing alcohol to change around their lives for the good of themselves, their family and the wider community.

Enhanced CCTV coverage has helped to both reduce crime and catch offenders. The introduction of high visibility jackets for door staff has enabled CCTV operators to clearly distinguish between offenders and personnel.

Operation Super Vampire events provided a multi agency approach that graphically illustrated the harmful effects and consequences of drinking. This was achieved through the use of real life images and mock road traffic accidents. Furthermore, nurses from Queens Hospital provided medical assistance and support to night time visitors to the town centre.

This strong joined up working approach eventually saw the scheme expand into Uttoxeter Town Centre, and the spirit of this work continues across East Staffordshire as partners continue to make every effort to drive down the negative effects of alcohol misuse.

Up until the end of 2009 incidents in licensed premises had decreased by 19% compared to period before the introduction of LSP funding.

Joint working continues into 2010 with the partnership delivering “Operation Safer Nights” a programme that carries on the successes first introduced by LSP steering group in 2008.

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