Two meetings have been held, the idea of street pastors has been discussed and yesterday afternoon Councillor Donald Morrison put forward a motion at a meeting of the full Angus Council.

He called for a pilot scheme aimed at banning the sale of alcohol from off-licences to anyone under the age of 21 during periods of the weekend to be examined.

Councillor Morrison's scheme follows a success trial in Armadale, East Lothian. There, no alcohol was sold between 5 and 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday to under-21s. Customers who looked under the age of 25 were asked for identification.

Councillor Morrison told the Herald: "It has been a good scheme in Armadale. Even before the trial period was compete police officers were reporting a reduction in assaults and vandalism.

"The scheme was originally held in Cleveland in the North East of England and was so successful that off-licences in the area have implemented the guidelines full time after reporting no loss in income.

"I would like to see the scheme tried in Arbroath. It would enhance the work councillors Peter Nield and David Fairweather have already carried out in the town.

He added: "Both of the previous schemes have been successful and I think a similar project in Arbroath would be another deterrent for young drinkers. There is no 'cure all' for this problem. We have to use all the weapons available to us."

At a meeting at the Salvation Army Citadel on Tuesday the idea of introducing street pastors to the town's streets was discussed.

Councillor Morrison explained: "Street pastors have worked successfully in Manchester, Aberdeen and Perth and it's another good idea for the town. It is simply a case of helping people, who may have had to much to drink, to ensure they get home safely.



"They been proven to have reduced the problems in Manchester so I see no reason why they could not work in Arbroath.

"I initially had fears that the pastors might be subjected to violence but, in over 18 months of them being out in Manchester this has not happened."

Councillor Peter Nield also attended Tuesday's meeting. He commented: "Myself and David Fairweather were at the meeting to observe and listen to what the churches want to do about this problem.



"There was certainly plenty of support for the street pastors idea and the groups involved agreed to move forward with their ideas and organise a future meeting.

"In principal I of course support this proposal. It would not be a religious thing, it 's more about ensuring people's safety at weekends when they may have had too much to drink."

His colleague, David Fairweather added: "We have had some very constructive meetings and now want to move forward alongside Focus on Alcohol Angus and Tayside Police.



"I have made contact with the Licensed Victuallers Association in a bid to bring them on board.

"Their chairman is Fraser Ogston and I have invited him, and the other licensees involved with the group, to attend a seminar at the Webster Theatre during June."