Alcohol abuse tackled in seaside resort

Drinking has become a problem in areas of Rhyl

Alcohol abuse and the problems it leads have been the focus of conference of local dignitries in Rhyl.

The seaside town banned the drinking of alcohol in public places earlier this year but councillors fear the problem is still being overlooked.

Children will get hold of alcohol from off licences and other venues and go somewhere and drink it quietly

Chief Inspector Mike Mullis

Police believe that 70% of criminal incidents committed in the Denbighshire area are alcohol related.

Community leaders, local hospitals and North Wales Police have been debate ways to combat the problem.

Chief Inspector Mike Mullis has admitted that under age drinking in the area is a problem.

"Children will get hold of alcohol from off licences and other venues and go somewhere and drink it quietly," he said.

"But, they do tend to drink quite a lot and they will cause damage and at times assault other people."

Alcoholics anonymous

Thursday's conference, organised by Denbighshire County Council aims to raise awareness of the dangers of alcohol misuse.

One man, known locally as Nelson, knows about the problems of drinking too much.

He was an alcoholic for 20 years but since joining Alcoholics Anonymous he has been sober since 1986.

"I can only remember bits about that moment in time and I did waste my life.

We are trying to get services improved in the area but we do need funding

Councillor Diane Hannam

"I was beating up people, having fights and wheeling and dealing in general," he said.

Speakers at the event in Rhyl want to ensure other people do not fall into the same trap as Nelson.

Local councillor Diane Hannam admits better services are required: "We are trying to get services improved in the area but we do need funding."

Delegates have said they will be looking to the Welsh Assembly for extra money to help in their fight against alcohol abuse in the town.