A STUDY of the impact of alcohol on the emergency services has identified a string of recommendations to address the issue.

Members of Durham County Council’s Safer and Stronger Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee drew up a series of seven possible actions after conducting a review of alcohol-related incidents on demand for emergency services within County Durham.

The review found that alcohol “significantly impacts” the emergency services and affects the safety of police, fire and ambulance staff.

Among the key recommendations are lobbying to further reduce the drink-drive limit and introducing minimum pricing for alcohol.

It also proposes wider education on the impact of booze on the emergency services.

The recommendations will go before Durham County Council’s Cabinet next week.

Cllr Joy Allen, cabinet member for safer communities, said: “We often hear stories of how our emergency services are stretched

“Demands placed on them by avoidable alcohol related incidents can have a negative impact on response times that can cost lives.

“The welfare of emergency service workers is paramount and it’s concerning that those working on the front line regularly face abuse and risk of assault as a result of alcohol.

Group chairman Cllr Thomas Nearney, said: “There is obviously no one solution or quick fix but we believe the recommendations we have come up with could make a difference.”