Summit seeks child drink solution

A range of agencies will look at ways of tackling the problem

Talks are being staged in the south of Scotland to find new ways of tackling problems with underage drinking.

It follows a police operation in which children were found intoxicated on the streets of Dumfries by early afternoon.

Dumfries and Galloway Constabulary has now arranged a meeting with other organisations in the region to look at ways to address the problem.

Among those attending are NHS Dumfries and Galloway, substance misuse agencies and Dumfries and Galloway Council.

Police seized a large amount of alcohol during a recent day-long crackdown on underage drinking in the town.

They also found drunk youngsters throughout the afternoon and evening.

Concerns have been voiced about both the health and anti-social behaviour implications of the situation.

The police have asked all members of the local community, particularly parents, to try to help tackle the problem.