I speak to residents every day and many of them complain the police seem to have no powers to do anything about street drinkers who intimidate and harass passers-by on a daily basis and who leave piles of empty bottles and cans on the pavement. 

So I am delighted that I have been able to help by agreeing a controlled drinking zone to cover the whole of Merton.

I am a member of the Campaign for Real Ale (Camra) so I like a warm beer on a summer’s day myself. 

And I am glad to say that we can all still enjoy a quiet drink in our local park. 

But where people are regularly causing a public nuisance to our residents, the police will now be able to confiscate their alcohol and move them on. 

I know many residents have had their lives blighted by aggressive street drinkers and are delighted the police now have these powers.

But I want to reassure your readers that they can still have a few beers or a glass of wine with their barbeque this summer.

Councillor Stephen Alambritis
Leader of Merton Council