THE police proposal to introduce an alcohol-free zone in Upton has perversely the one possible advantage of ensuring a reasonable police presence in order to enforce it.

It would seem a rather unhelpful approach to focus quite so much blame on young people for the many law and order problems we, like other small towns, face. After all, we reap as we sow.

I have long regretted that some events seem to be too alcohol oriented, occasionally even advertised as offering "booze" as a central attraction.

While not necessarily leading to breaking the law, it would seem to do little for the image of a town or to uplift our sights if there is a general picture of adults walking the streets holding bottles or glasses, leaning and drinking in places we do not normally expect and lurching about the High Street in high spirits.

I am not a prude but I think there is a place for consuming alcohol and it is not in large quantities in a town's streets. It ignores the dangers of alcohol and dispenses with self respect.

If this is the example we think fit to set, we bear some responsibility for what it costs us as taxpayers to resolve law and disorder problems.

While on the subject, it also costs us to maintain the police station as a grossly underused resource over many years. When will the police decide which premises on the High Street will suit them for their stated plans? What are they waiting for?

WENDY HANDS, Church Walk, Upton-upon-Severn.