DESPITE the usual heady cocktail of alcohol and rowdy high-spirited celebrations, New Year's Eve 2002 did not give police any special headaches this year. Revellers caused some 28 cases of disorder across South Lakeland and Furness, which police described as slightly more than an average weekend. Superintendent Colin Mather said it was a pretty normal New Year. "Our strategy of high visibility patrols to deter and prevent offences worked." There had been fears that trouble would be fuelled by new laws allowing pubs and clubs to open for a straight 36-hours from 11am on New Year's Eve. However, police were not aware of any South Lakes establishments taking advantage of the extra opening hours.

January 3, 2003 09:00