Police apply for park alcohol ban

Alcohol may be banned at a Flintshire country park and castle after complaints about drunken abuse.

The application to ban alcohol at Wepre Park, which includes Ewloe Castle, came from North Wales Police.

The council's countryside manager said staff were being abused by young drinkers who have held parties and lit fires in the grounds.

Historic monuments agency Cadw has backed the proposed ban, which will be discussed by Flintshire councillors.

The council maintains the 160-acre site, which attracts about 200,000 visitors ever year.

The grounds, near Connah's Quay, contain football pitches, a children's playground, a fishing pool, a visitor centre and the castle.

Senior ranger Tom Woodall said: "It's not that we're killjoys, we're just trying to curb the excesses of a minority who spoil it for everyone else.

"I've got no argument with people coming to the park to enjoy themselves, but some people make our other users feel uncomfortable.

"The underage drinking is a problem in the evenings but we also have occasions where adults' drinking causes problems.

"When you have young children, the last thing you need is a group of 20-somethings drinking and playing football and spoiling things."

A report to councillors by the authority's legal officer said North Wales Police had identified incidents of "nuisance or disorder related to alcohol consumption".

The report will be discussed by the council's executive on Tuesday.

A Cadw spokeswoman said: "Cadw work in partnership with the Wepre Country Park and would be in favour of the alcohol ban.

"A ban would help greatly in making sure that our historic environment is respected and presents a welcoming and attractive image to the public at all times."

BBC News