Officers will step up patrols this summer under Operation Animism – the drive to tackle alcohol-fuelled antisocial behaviour in Mansfield and Ashfield.

Since it began in September 2009, police have confiscated hundreds of bottles and cans of beer, spirits and alcopops from under 18s found in possession of alcohol in public places.

Alcohol has been seized on more than 300 occasions and 58 young people have been taken home to their parents or carers and warned about their behaviour and the dangers of underage drinking.

Youngsters planning on drinking in the street or causing trouble during the summer holiday could find themselves facing those consequences.

“Parents and adults should also be mindful of their responsibilities towards under 18s in relation to alcohol. You could be fined if you are found to have bought alcohol for a child and parents should ensure their children do not have the opportunity to take alcohol out of the home to drink on the streets.”

Councillor Danny McCrossan, Portfolio Holder for Public Protection at Mansfield District Council, said: “The Council is putting on a huge variety of activities for young people throughout the summer – using the “there’s nothing to do” excuse for drinking or getting involved in antisocial behaviour just won’t wash.
 
“Our neighbourhood wardens will be working alongside their police colleagues to ensure that anyone underage who is caught with alcohol will have it confiscated immediately. We’ll also be working hard to trace back how the children have got hold of the alcohol and we will not hesitate to punish any individual or business responsible.”

Partners are supporting the drive to keep young people out of trouble during the holiday with many exciting activities planned in Mansfield and Ashfield.

Mansfield District Council and partners have organised a Summer in the Streets festival of entertainment between July 17 and the end of August.

It includes open-air movies in the Marketplace every Sunday at 11am and 2pm from July 18 until the end of August. Films showing are How to Train Your Dragon, Alice in Wonderland, Nanny McPhee 2, Percy Jackson And The Lightning Thief, Astro Boy, This Is It, Hairspray, Grease, Wizard of Oz, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, Hannah Montana, Wall-E, UP and Mamma Mia.

There will also be a beach party in Mansfield Market Place between 16 and 21 August. The event includes a giant sand play area, street entertainers, children's rides and stalls where prizes can be won, plus dodgems and a funfair ride.

On Saturday 21 August, the day Westlife will perform at Field Mill Stadium, is Mansfield's Big Day Out, when there will be additional entertainment in the form of live music in the town centre.

In Ashfield, the Respect for Ashfield roadshow will hit the streets, with the first event celebrating young people.

This will be held in the car park of Ashfield District Council’s offices in Kirkby-in-Ashfield on August 14, between 10am and 3pm.

Councillor John Wilmott, said: “The Respect for Ashfield roadshow will give everyone the opportunity to find out more about what is being done to tackle antisocial behaviour and support victims and witnesses. We will not tolerate young people drinking on the streets and causing trouble in our communities.”

“Working closely with the Police, we are cracking down on businesses found to be supplying alcohol to under 18s. We also offer young people a range of alternate activities to get involved in over the summer.”