Petition launched to try and defeat Littlehampton drunks

Concerned trader Andrew Sleeman is one of those who is welcoming the petition D14282567

The online appeal was created earlier this month by Littlehampton resident Daniel Thompson and has already rallied more than 100 people to sign-up to it.

The petition – which is based at online campaign site www.change.org – says: “This is important to us as a community and as a seaside resort, currently our town and parks are gathering groups of people whom are causing disorder and unnecessary disturbance through alcohol and drug use.

“This is causing intimidation to both tourists and the community. This is not good for either us or the local economy.

“Littlehampton is a friendly town with many young children and families many of whom are to afraid to access public fields due to the abuse and threats they receive. Arun District Council help us!”

The appeal has been welcomed by traders in the town who have previously voiced their concern about the impact the drunks are having on the business in Littlehampton.

Simon Vickers, chairman of Littlehampton Traders’ Partnership, said: “This problem has not got any better, if anything the good weather has made it worse.

“I think that this petition is a fantastic idea because it shows that problem is not just one affecting only the traders but the town and public too.

“This surely has to be an indication that more action needs to be taken.”

Currently, those causing anti-social behaviour can be ordered to leave a specifically designated area.

Failure to comply with such a dispersal order is a criminal offence and can carry a maximum penalty of a £2,500 fine and/or three months’ imprisonment.

Andrew Sleeman, owner of Spokes Cycles, in Beach Road, also welcomed the petition.

He wants to see less low-cost high-alcohol being sold by off-licences and would also like to see the hours in which alcohol could be served across the area being restricted.

However, he admitted this would be difficult for some smaller, family-run stores to do.

He said if this idea was to succeed, there needed to be ‘unity’ between all the businesses – large and small – selling alcohol in the town.

“There is work happening, but it’s just not fast enough. We need something done now,” Mr Sleeman said.