A NEW project has been launched to tackle underage drinking in Halton.

Shops, businesses, agencies and organisations have teamed up to stop schoolchildren buying and consuming spirits, beer, lager and alcopops.

The Halton Community Alcohol Partnership will raise awareness of the impact underage drinking has on the community and reduce young people’s access to alcohol by building on existing work already undertaken by Halton Council and Cheshire Police.

A new poster warning youngsters that it is illegal to use borrowed or fake ID to buy alcohol will be unveiled as part of the initiative.

Halton Cllr Dave Cargill, board member for Trading Standards, said: “We know from our recent work that reducing underage drinking is important to our community.

"The effects of young people drinking alcohol on their health, their futures and those who suffer when drinking spills over into anti-social behaviour can be severe.

"This partnership recognises that we all have a role to play in tackling the problem and by working together we can bring about a change in attitudes and behaviour.”

The launch at Murdishaw Community Centre last Wednesday was attended by representatives from Spar, Asda, the Co-op, Halton Council, Cheshire Police, Young Addaction, Liverpool Housing Trust, The Alcohol Education Trust and Change, Grow, Live.

All of the agencies and the businesses will be working together to reduce underage drinking and associated antisocial behaviour.

An action plan of activities will aim to bring about sustainable improvements through education and intelligence-led enforcement.

Positive alternatives will be offered to young people that promote a healthy lifestyle.

Derek Lewis, chairman of Community Alcohol Partnerships said: “Community Alcohol Partnerships are a tried and tested way of driving down underage drinking and creating better, safer and friendlier neighbourhoods.”