THE number of alcohol-related incidents in Hindley are is falling thanks to a new group set up to tackle underage drinking.

The Community Alcohol Partnership (CAP) has been hailed as a success by founders Wigan Council after recent figures showed a dramatic reduction in the number of alcohol-related incidents.

Since the formation of the group in last July 2013, there’s been a 47 per cent reduction in the number of ‘youths causing annoyance’ in the Hindley and Hindley Green area.

Set up by Wigan Council and Supported by Greater Manchester Police, the CAP brings together various council teams, retailers, schools and the community to tackle underage alcohol sales.

Cllr Kevin Anderson, cabinet member for safer communities at Wigan Council, said: “We are extremely proud of what the CAP has achieved so far in Hindley.

"We’ve developed some fantastic relationships with businesses, schools and community groups that will no doubt continue long after the CAP project ends.

“Everyone has pulled together to tackle some of the issues that Hindley residents and businesses were experiencing.”

It aims to raise awareness of the consequences of drinking alcohol, prevent the sale of alcohol to those underage and to reduce anti-social behaviour as a result.

The team has been working with schools to educate pupils about the dangers of underage drinking.

Nathan Jones, of pastoral support leader from Hindley High School, said: “All the pupils engaged in the project in a really positive way and they were all able to identify with many of the scenarios discussed.

“The sessions were delivered in a way which empowered the pupils to make positive choices around their exposure to alcohol and other issues that affect young people.”