A COUNCIL'S crackdown on alcohol related crime has been hailed by police.

Figures published by the Department for Culture Media and Sports (DCMS) showed Bexley council had the highest rate of licence reviews per 1,000 and had revoked more than any other local authority in England and Wales - drawing praise from local police.

Council Leader, Ian Clement, said: “I’m delighted to be top of this particular chart. We will not tolerate drink fuelled crime in our borough and will continue to work closely with the police to stamp it out.

“But the statistics tell only part of the story. By taking firm action in this way we are also making a difference to people’s lives when they see that the premises that were blighting their lives have been closed. Our focus will remain. Complacency is not an option.”

Borough Commander, Chief Superintendent Tony Dawson, said: “I am very grateful for the support we have had from Bexley council in robustly tackling breaches of licensing law.

“By working closely together we have prevented many people from suffering alcohol fuelled injuries and we are on the way to making The Broadway and our other town centres welcoming areas for people of all ages at all times.”