TROUBLESOME youngsters have been warned to expect a “zero tolerance approach” as police pledge to crack down on anti-social behaviour during a popular celebration.

Officers have written to parents of local schoolchildren ahead of this weekend’s Framlingham Gala.

In previous years there have been problems with young people and alcohol related anti social behaviour, resulting in drunkenness that police have had to deal with.

This year Suffolk Constabulary is working alongside the Gala organising committee to try and ensure a peaceful and incident-free weekend.

There will be additional officers deployed in the area and alcohol found in the possession of anyone who appears to be under the age of 18 will be seized.

Officers have also written to parents asking them to talk to their children about the dangers of excessive drinking and urging them not to buy or give them alcohol.

Sergeant Daye Goddard, of Saxmundham and Framlingham Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: “In previous years we have had complaints from members of the public about the behaviour of a minority of young people and this year we will be taking a zero tolerance approach.

“Many of the problems have stemmed from some individuals consuming a large amount of alcohol and therefore we will also be taking action against anyone found to have supplied alcoholic drinks to anyone who is underage.”

Local schools have been enlisted to help get the message out to young people and police are writing to parents, via schools and publications, to encourage them to talk to their sons and daughters about the issue.

Sgt Goddard warned they would also not hesitate to take action against any parents found to have supplied alcohol to their offspring.

“We are asking parents to talk to their children in advance about the dangers of excessive drinking and urging them not to buy or give them alcohol,” she said.

“Police will be taking action against anyone found to have supplied alcohol to anyone underage.

“This could result in prosecution or the issuing of a fixed penalty notice with an �80 fine.”

She added that for further advice and guidance for parents about the issue could be found on the Drink Aware website at www.drinkaware.co.uk