POLICE in Colchester have urged people to enjoy alcohol responsibly in public places after four people were arrested in Castle Park in connection with drunkenness.

POLICE in Colchester have urged people to enjoy alcohol responsibly in public places after four people were arrested in Castle Park in connection with drunkenness.

The arrests were made at the weekend after large groups of people had congregated in the park, with some drinking large amounts of alcohol and causing anti-social behaviour.

The area, one of Colchester's most popular open spaces, is covered by a “Designated Public Place Order” which allows a uniformed officer to confiscate alcohol from anybody who appears drunk or likely to become so.

If the individual refuses to give up the alcohol, they can be arrested.

Sergeant Martin Frid, of Colchester police, said: “We've got groups of young people turning up at lunchtime with large cases of high strength alcohol and they are staying there all day.

“When it comes to 5pm we have to start making arrests because they become out of control.

“We want people to enjoy the nice weather and by all means enjoy a quiet drink with friends or family but we don't want large amounts of people drinking all day and causing a nuisance.”

Peter Carrington, community safety co-ordinator for the Colchester Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership, said: “We are very keen for residents and visitors to enjoy the facilities of Colchester and have a social drink with friends, which sometimes includes public areas.

“What we want to stop, however, are those people who misuse alcohol which has a negative affect on those around them.”