A pilot project to tackle problems caused by young people drinking alcohol is to be launched in Sandown later this month.

The Community Alcohol Partnership (CAP), funded by a Government grant of nearly £14,000, will involve IW Council, police, the Island’s NHS and also a charity that will work with the families of young people found drinking.

Sandown has been chosen due to the willingness of the off license trade to take part in measures to reduce sales of alcohol to over 18s who then pass the alcohol on to under 18s.

It is the first time agencies will have combined in such a project but it could be introduced in other Isle of Wight towns if successful.

Among aims and objectives of the six-month project are the reduction of alcohol-related anti-social behaviour, criminal damage and littering.

The project will also involve increased street patrols by police and trading standards officers and provide training for licensees on issues surrounding under-age sales.

A key strand will also tackle ‘proxy’ alcohol sales where adults legally buy alcohol only to then, illegally, pass it on to minors. As part of this aim, a phone line will be set up to encourage the reporting of proxy sales.

The campaign will involve targeted health promotion work and also support to young drinkers and their families through the Catch 22 charity whose experts will make home visits where appropriate.

“The project is not simply about curing the problem in the short term by enforcement measures, it is addressing the underlying issues to bring about an on going solution,” said project leader Mandy Sellers.

“We hope the result will be healthier and happier individuals and a cleaner, safer and stronger community.

“This wide-ranging yet targeted approach involving many agencies has worked successfully on the mainland and we are confident we can make a real and lasting difference on the Island.”

Launched on 23 June at Sandown Library, the project will continue right through the school summer holidays.