CULLOMPTON needs an alcohol-free zone to combat problems of booze-fuelled crime and anti-social behaviour. That's the view of town councillors who are calling for a meeting with police to discuss the issue.

Town Cllr Terry Belson told the Star this week of his concerns.

"At the moment, because of the time of year it alcohol related crime and disorder is not so much of a problem, however, Cullompton should have something in place to police the underage drinking in the summer.

"I am concerned, as in summer Cullompton has alcohol problems and needs policing, but even then we're told there is no problem."

Cllr Belson claims that Cullompton police are 'thin on the ground' and that police are 'turning down a ban because they can't police it'.

"Unless policed we can do nothing - it will always be the same."

Cllr Thompson shares the view that Cullompton needs to be an alcohol-free zone.

He has a catalogue of photos showcasing graffiti and litter in the park, in a council meeting on Thursday he said: "With new legislation you only need one incident of alcohol-related violence and then the district council can bring in a ban and it would be up to the police to enforce it.

"Excuses are being made because people can't be bothered." The licensing officer of Mid Devon County Council, Marjory Parish said that alcohol bans are instigated at the 'behest of police, to control what they perceive as a problem.' "Police don't feel the need for it," she said.

"It's in the hands of police if they want a ban. It is in a range of powers they can bring - but they felt it unnecessary."

Explaining the police stance, Mike Sais, the police licensing officer for Mid Devon District said that a ban was not an easy thing to implement.

"In order for us to make a ban we must have a series of logs and incidents showing that the drinking laws have caused that incident."

Commenting on photos taken, he said: "litter is not good enough - the ultimate thing is evidence of a public disorder."

Mr Sais agreed that a ban has worked in Crediton and Tiverton - where they have drinking restrictions in the town centre and parks.

But he said: "they did have a big, big problem, but now it's gone away."

Cullompton residents hoping to enforce a ban are recommended to call the police during a disruption to count as evidence that can be logged.