Booze and jeers for park drinks ban!

We're trying to decode the message sent out by Boston police with respect to the Designated Public Place Order (DPPO) which bans people from enjoying a can of beer in Central Park, amongst other places.
Boston's community beat manager PC Martyn Chambers is quoted as saying: "In an ideal world people would take notice of the signs and not over-indulge on alcohol within the DPPO.
"Sadly the reality is that there will always be people who say they didn't see the signs or just don't know when to stop.
"We do take these offences seriously. Alcohol-related verbal abuse and minor criminal damage can soon escalate to public disorder and assault.
"Equally to those wanting to enjoy the town, someone who is drunk and disorderly can be very intimidating and unpleasant and this is why we take a zero tolerance stance.
"Although we have yet to issue an £50 fixed penalty ticket there is always a first time for someone who ignores advice."
Since the DPPO's introduction hundreds of alcohol containers have been confiscated.
PCSO Bill Dorgan said: "People have on the whole been willing to hand over alcohol containers without a fuss.
"The main reason they do this is because although many know about the order being in place some continue to try their luck hoping they'll get a way with it.
"The fact is, they won't and they don't. Even if there's not an officer in the vicinity, thanks to the support of the local community, park rangers and CCTV we have eyes everywhere and can soon attend to deal with anyone causing concern."
We think that there is a difference between people having a drink in the park and getting drunk in the park.
If memory serves, there were occasional incidents but nothing really to require such a large sledgehammer to crack such a small nut.
And let's not forget, when it suits Boston Borough Council to do so, the alcohol ban is lifted - for events where alcohol consumption is actually encouraged as part of the entertaiment.
We've criticised this double standard before.
In particular, we disagree with Boston's neighbourhood panel chairman and chief killjoy Jeff Skinner, who is quoted as saying: "It is really encouraging that we're seeing fewer incidents of alcohol being drunk in our public areas, but we're by no means an alcohol-free town. To assist us in achieving this, the panel is looking to improve signage and ensure continued robust enforcement, focusing activity in the Central Park and Wormgate areas, where alcohol-related anti-social behaviour continues to cause us concern."
Who are these people to rule our lives?
There is an automatic assumption that opening a can of ale in a public place is the start of wholesale rioting.
This is just not the case.
The statistics did not justify the creation of a DPPO at the time.
But that doesn't hinder those people who would rule as maany aspects of our lives as they can.
Whilst we note that the police can blanket the park with busybodies so that they can pounce at the pfffft of a beer can, we are equally as sorry to read on one of our Booston county councillor's websites:- "This week I went to two Parish Council meetings in my ward, and was made to feel welcome at both, though both mentioned to me of the lack of support and presence from the local police. They only meet every two months and said that they would like to see a member from the police present at one of their meetings."
Sorry, they're too busy.

You can write to us at boston.eye@googlemail.com Your e-mails will be treated in confidence and published anonymously if requested.