Under age drinking has been a problem for a number of years but in recent times its scale and nature has changed.

It is no longer the case of three or four teenagers having a can of lager while hiding in the bushes. Nowadays it is more likely to be large gangs of youths, some of them not even teenagers, who gather openly in parks, playgrounds and other public places. They will often de drinking large bottles of cheap wine or cans of strong lager. As a result they become rowdy and aggressive. Their conduct is intimidating for most people.

Over the summer some parts of North Tyneside have effectively become no go areas for decent law abiding citizens because of a minority of young people.

In the House of Commons we have put into law a whole range of measures to tackle this kind of anti-social behaviour. But all too often those with responsibility for taking action at a local level have failed to use the powers which have been given to them.

I’m pleased that under the elected Mayor, John Harrison, North Tyneside is using the weapons at its disposal. In particular the introduction of alcohol free zones has the potential to make a very real difference. They will stop the drinking of alcohol in a number of identified public places. Of course it will be down to the police to monitor the situation and take strong action to ensure that the new orders are followed.

However it shouldn’t really come to this. It would be better if parents took responsibility for the actions of their children.

All too often nowadays parents just don’t seem to be bothered by what their children get up to once they go out of the front door. This has to change and if need be parents should be held responsible and punished for the criminal actions of their children.

There also needs to be a co-ordinated crackdown on those shops that sell booze to those under age. A hefty fine or threat of closure would hit them were it hurts the most – in the pocket.

By acting together we can tackle the curse of under age drinking.