ALCOHOLICS may be given a corner of Colchester where they will be able to drink in public, free from police action.

Residents say police attempts to clear the St Botolph’s Circus underpass of boozers and drug addicts have failed to stop them intimidating passers-by.

And one woman, drinking in the underpass, admitted to the Gazette police often moved them on, but did little to keep them away. The woman, who did not wish to be named, said she and her friends didn’t want to move from the roundabout, anyway.

A special task force was set up last month with the aim of reducing antisocial behaviour at the roundabout.

Tim Young, Colchester councillor responsible for community safety, said the force – council officers, police and NHS staff – was considering setting up a “wet zone” where alcoholics could congregate.

He added: “We’re going to look at other areas which have tried that as a solution to see if it works.

“If they want to go and drink somewhere and not cause any harm, then perhaps we can find a place for them.

“There’s no long-term future for them at St Botolph’s, because it’s such a public area.”

Mr Young said support would be available for those who wanted it, but warned those who refused would be moved on, or arrested.

He promised: “We will use everything within our means to make that area accessible for the public who need to use it.

“However, I’m not going to tell you there’s a simple solution, because I don’t think there is.”

Insp Adrian Dearsley, of Colchester police, said officers visited the area several times a day, took away alcohol and dealt with other offences they spotted.

He said: “The area had quietened down of late, but it appears the slight increase in temperature is bringing the group back on to the street.

“Two men were arrested last week – one for a breach of his Asbo, and the other in connection with a disturbance in a takeaway shop in Queens Street.”