2:05pm Tuesday 31st August 2010
By Simon Carr
IT is the foul aftermath left behind by a sea of boozed-up revellers.
A stench wafting from filthy alleyways and grimy pavements.
Now council bosses have launched a poster campaign in a bid to stop drinkers urinating in a Hampshire town centre.
The message “Go B4 U Go” aims to remind people in Eastleigh to use the toilets before the pubs close.
This follows complaints from residents and business owners that pub-goers are using the back streets and alleyways to relieve themselves.
The posters are being given out to pubs, clubs and restaurants in the town.
Owners of High Street restaurant Guzel Meze Hasan and Jill Yalvac say something must be done to tackle the problem.
Jill said: “It is horrendous, particularly when so much is being to done to improve the area.
Fines “It is hard to know if those responsible will take any notice of the posters but I certainly support the campaign but think it must be combined with a system of fines.”
Joanne Dukic, Choices sandwich shop boss, said: “I think it is important more is done to make Eastleigh a desirable location and if these posters help achieve that I think they are a very good idea.
“It is a little sad though if adults need to be prompted to remind them to use a toilet.”
Fines of up to £500 have been handed out as part of a police crackdown.
Earlier this year the Daily Echo exclusively revealed 42 people had been successfully prosecuted and been hit with charges totalling £8,201 in just 12 months in Eastleigh.
Councillors and police officers on the Joint Action Committee had even looked at the possibility of rolling out a set of wheelie bin urinals.
Eastleigh Local Area Committee chairman Chris Thomas said: “We are determined to get the message across that we won’t tolerate this type of behaviour from a small minority of people who visit the town centre.”
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