YTYC Your Town Your Choice coming to Stratford 8 December

Police and partners are urging the public to follow them on twitter at #YTYC to see the latest information on the Your Town Your Choice event coming to Stratford-upon-Avon this Saturday 8 December 2012 from 9pm.

Safer Neighbourhood Team Sergeant Simon Osborne explained, “With the party season now underway, we want everyone to be able to enjoy a safe night out in Stratford Town Centre.

"Your Town, Your Choice is a multi-agency event organised to help address antisocial drinking and violence in Stratford Town centre. The event also hopes to support individuals to make informed choices about healthier lifestyles and responsible drinking."

PS Osborne continued, “There will be a high police presence in the town aimed at preventing any alcohol-related disorder and agencies including the fire service, police and environmental health will be engaging with local licensed premises to promote responsible commercial management. Police and partners including The Recovery Partnership will be based in Greenhill Street where a section of the street will be closed and stalls set up."

Overall, alcohol-related harm is estimated to cost society £21 billion annually and it is well documented that drinking too much can not only lead to violence including domestic, antisocial behaviour and criminal damage, but also injury and accidents and long term health problems.

People do not realize the harm they are doing to themselves and others and we hope to help people think a bit more about the consequences for them and their families over the short and longer term.

Cllr Gill Roache, Community Safety Portfolio Holder for Stratford District Council said, "Tackling alcohol fuelled violence and antisocial behaviour are priorities for the South Warwickshire Community Safety Partnership. Alcohol consumption increases in the lead up to Christmas, so partners will be in Greenhill Street working together by going to the heart of Stratford's late night economy to meet people on a night out, and to make them aware of the risks of excessive alcohol and tips on how to stay safe whilst enjoying a night out. There will be stalls where revellers can be voluntarily breathalysed, get some safety advice and receive a safety pack.“

Partners include police, fire, Stratford District Council, Warwickshire County Council, The Recovery Partnership, St John Ambulance, Stratforward, Warwickshire Trading Standards and the street pastors.

PS Osborne added, “We will be using twitter before and during the event to raise awareness of the event and to let people know what is happening as the night unfolds. Please follow us on #YTYC where regular information will be posted from the SNT Twitter feed (@SNT_StratfordT) and others. If you have a question, then use the #YTYC hashtag and we will get back to you as soon as we can."