County Durham has been chosen as one of 10 areas to share in a £1m national fund to reduce alcohol-related harm.
The money will go to three rural communities to help them address anti-social behaviour linked to underage drinking.
It has been awarded to Three Towns Area Action Partnership (AAP), to reduce alcohol harm in Tow Law, Crook and Howden and get local young people more engaged in community life.
Cllr Lucy Hovvels, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for safer and healthier communities, said: “I am delighted that County Durham is one of the 10 areas that are to receive funding to tackle alcohol related harm.
“This funding will make a difference to our rural communities and build upon the excellent work undertaken by our community partners.”
The funding was announced today by Baroness Newlove, the Government Champion for Active Safer Communities, as part of a two-year project to give local people more control over how alcohol related issues are dealt with in their area.
Three Towns AAP is already working with the police, retailers and other partners to give local people a better understanding of what they can do to tackle alcohol misuse.
Claire Sullivan, public health consultant and Chair of the Alcohol Harm reduction group, said: “We are delighted we have secured this funding and we will ensure that the local communities are at the centre of finding the local solutions to the problems caused by alcohol.”
Ivan Wood, Durham Constabulary Superintendent for Neighbourhood Policing, said: “When young people misuse alcohol there is often a significant impact upon communities through increased anti social behaviour.
“As a partnership we are focused on improving the quality of life of those affected by Anti-social behaviour and this funding will allow us to work closely with communities to do that.”
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