New ban to square up to park boozers

Drinking is to be banned in a city square blighted by drunken groups and antisocial behaviour.

Nicolson Square has been blighted by drunks since its renovation

Nicolson Square in the Southside was renovated by the council two years ago, but has remained a no-go area for local residents because it is frequented by heavy drinkers.

Now police are preparing to enforce a by-law there to prevent drinking in public places.

It has already been brought into force in nearby Hunter Square, and was used this summer on Portobello beach.

Some of the seats in the square have already been removed to deter loitering, CCTV cameras have been installed and signs put up about the ban.

Once it is in place, police will be able to confiscate alcoholic drinks being consumed in the area, and if drinkers refuse to comply, will have the power to arrest them.

Nearby residents say they are delighted at the news.

Chair of the Southside Community Council Hilary McDowell said: "There has been a problem at Nicolson Square pretty much ever since it was redeveloped. Research has discovered that if you have seats and access to alcohol and public toilets all together then that's where groups tend to gather.

"As a community council we're delighted that the problem is being tackled."

Southside/Newington councillor Cameron Rose said he had witnessed an aggressive confrontation between drinkers and passers-by in the square, and added: "I certainly welcome this attempt to control and prevent drunken behaviour which has marred the area.

"I've had complaints from the shopkeepers, and from residents who feel uncomfortable, who feel they can't go out on a sunny day and sit there because of the threatening behaviour."

A police spokesman said: "We have been actively engaging with local residents and businesses and have identified the Nicolson Street area as an appropriate location to implement a by-law prohibiting antisocial drinking. Plans to invoke the by-law are still in the planning stage and we continue to work closely with our partner agencies on this issue."

A council spokesman added: "Antisocial behaviour is a blight on ordinary communities. Complaints have been received regarding antisocial behaviour in the Nicolson Square area and we support any efforts to ensure a minority of people do not spoil it for others."