Trams to help remedy drink crisis?

THE arrival of Metrolink in Oldham could be used to help rid the borough of booze-fuelled violence.

Oldham Council wants to use the opportunity of trams running along Union Street to “redraw the map” and potentially provide a purpose built area to house the night-time economy.

The suggestion will be discussed in a public debate next week, organised by the council to help draw up a strategy for cracking down on the borough’s alcohol soaked image.

The discussion, led by its Licensing Committee, will centre on the future of the alcohol industry in Oldham and its overall size.

Key questions include:

::Do people want fewer but better bars and nightclubs?

::Do people want to diversify the range of entertainment provision?

::Do people want to wind down the night-time economy in Oldham town centre?

::What is the future shape and provision of licensed entertainment and drinking venues in the town?

The details come after the Chronicle revealed yesterday that experts had concluded that Oldham has more hazardous and harmful drinkers than the rest of the country — and a lack of alternative places for entertainment.

The council is already reviewing every town centre bar with the first hearings to take place on Monday.

JD Weatherspoon-owned pubs Up Steps Inn and The Squire Knott, as well as The Lounge and Blu 62, have agreed improved licensing conditions to escape the reviews..

The committee will meet at the civic centre at 9.30am on Tuesday with the public welcome to attend.