Experts tackle drink and abuse problems

The impact of alcohol and anti- social behaviour in the North West was today being discussed at a ground-breaking conference.

The Community Safety Partnership at Derry City Council is one of the five partnerships within councils in the North West participating in the pioneering conference.

The event, entitled A Drop Too Far has been organised by the Western Drug and Alcohol Co-ordination Team and aims to investigate the impact that the misuse of alcohol can have on society, from a social, family, policing and medical viewpoint.

A detailed programme of speakers and presentations has been organized by the Western Drug and Alcohol Co-ordination team with the assistance of the Community Safety Partnerships.

Speaking before the event Mena Heaney, Community Safety Officer at Derry City Council, said it was an opportunity for councils in the North West to discuss the issues around the misuse of alcohol and anti-social behaviour that is often caused as a result of it.

"This problem exists throughout society today, regardless of location. Through issues raised at this conference we hope to devise a strategy that will ultimately reduce and prevent nuisance behaviour by implementing various programmes and initiatives," she said.

"It is imperative that we develop a grassroots strategy that will promote sensible drinking, especially to our younger generations and thereby reduce the harmful effects of alcohol misuse on the individual and the wider community."

The day-long conference was set to be addressed by various experts who deal with the repercussions of alcohol abuse and anti-social behaviour on a daily basis including an Accident and Emergency Consultant at Altnagelvin Hospital.

In addition, Strabane College will perform a short drama entitled 'Burn' which deals directly with the topic. The event will take place in Lisburn.

Belfast Telegraph