POLICE pleas to make it harder to get an alcohol or late night licence in Abertillery town centre were approved by Blaenau Gwent's licensing committee yesterday.

Last week, the Argus reported that Inspector Mike Cotterell was calling for a special saturation policy because he says drunken violence in the town is stretching police resources to "breaking point."

He says that officers are being called in from other areas to help cope with drink-related incidents, which are happening seven nights a week.

He also says the town does not have an adequate transport system to deal with the large number of punters, who tend to congregate on the streets, causing a lot of noise for local residents.

Speaking to the licensing committee, Insp Cotterell said the town was becoming inundated with licensed premises and takeaways.

He said this was damaging the daytime economy and that the town was "not a welcoming place."

He added: "We need to draw a line somewhere, the town's suffered enough.

"I'm not looking at being a killjoy, I'm looking at common sense and improving the life of the residents there."

Councillor Des Davies said: "I think the policy has got to come about.

"At the end of the day, people should be able to walk in the town in safety with fear of intimidation."

All the councillors on the committee agreed and the decision to approve the saturation policy was unanimous.

There will now be a 12-week consultation period before the policy is brought back to the committee for final approval.

The policy will not stop people from applying for licences, but committees will have to consider the concerns that the town is overrun with pubs, clubs, off licences and takeaways when hearing new applications.

Speaking after the meeting, Insp Cotterell said he was pleased with the councillors' support.

He said: "I'm pleased for the town more than anything, we want to try and develop it in the right way."

Four licensees attended the meeting but did not want to comment.

Booze-fuelled violence on the up Insp Cotterell told the Argus that while the number of reported assaults are actually going down in the town, the amount of alcohol-fuelled violence is on the rise.

All figures between April and September.

  • 2005-2006 there were 87 reported assaults, 40 (46 percent) of which were under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
  • 2006-2007 there were 101 reported incidents, 62 (61 percent) of which were under the influence.
  • 2007-2008 there were 76 reported incidents, 53 (70 percent) of which were under the influence.