The Government's ‘safer communities' champion, Baroness Helen Newlove, this week pledged to direct £1m towards tackling ‘Binge Britain' – targeting irresponsible and underage drinking.

Issuing her third report to ministers, Baroness Newlove praised communities secretary, Eric Pickles, for ‘putting wellie' into her efforts to address crime, disorder and violence resulting from alcohol abuse. The new cash pot will support 10 blighted local communities to develop tools for combating binge and underage drinking, using proven approaches.