Scarborough Today

Scarborough has above average figures for a number of alcohol-related problems, a survey has revealed. Hazardous and harmful drinking, alcohol-related hospital admissions and booze-fuelled criminal damage in Scarborough are all higher than the national average.

Scarborough also had more incidents of alcohol-related domestic violence than many other towns or cities in North Yorkshire.

Between March 2006 and March 2007 a shocking 1,033 incidents were recorded in Scarborough. The highest number of incidents – 1,750 – was recorded in York whereas the lowest – 205 – was in Ryedale.

However, the figures for binge drinking are lower in Scarborough than elsewhere in North Yorkshire. Just 17.8 per cent of over 16s binge drink in Scarborough compared with 22.9 per cent in York and a regional average of 18.2 per cent.

The North Yorkshire and York Primary Care Trust (PCT) has now developed a strategy to reduce alcohol consumption amid growing concerns about the county's health and drink-fuelled crime.

Dr Peter Brambleby, the PCT's director of public health, said: "Alcohol abuse is one of the biggest challenges we face in the NHS today, and it is a problem which is everywhere.

"It affects all sections of society, from the wealthy to the most deprived communities. Alcohol is more affordable than ever before, it is heavily promoted and there has been a cultural shift towards binge drinking in recent years.

"Changing this culture will be a key part of the new strategy."

The new action plan will focus on four main areas, including education as well as health and treatment services. It will also tackle the regulation of alcohol and enforcement along with offending and the rehabilitation of excessive drinkers.

Scarborough Today