Drink figures cannot be ignored

Booze Britain has become a tabloid clich, often illustrated with a picture of alcopop-fuelled adolescents falling around town centres.

But the figures out this week paint a far more worrying picture of the long-term health implications of heavy drinking, and the unsustainable strain they are putting on our overworked hospital.

It is right to link the town's drink problem to social, cultural and economic issues, and it is no surprise that on the boozers' map of Britain, it is the most deprived areas that stand out as struggling with alcohol.

Clearly there needs to be a long-term approach, but John Reading, of Action for Change, has suggested alcohol is too cheap and too easily available, both of which can be tackled in the short term.

In Manchester and other parts of the country, councils have looked into using by laws to restrict the sale of bargain bucket booze. Maybe this is something that could be looked into here.

Of course many people enjoy alcohol responsibly and Hastings has a nightlife to be proud of.

But unless people start taking control and responsibility, the odd hangover will be the least of our worries.

THE murals by Banksy and his close friend Ben Eine have certainly caused a stir.

People of all ages have been flocking to St Leonards to see them first hand, and no doubt the local businesses will have benefited from the extra visitors.

The people behind Coastal Currents too will have enjoyed the extra attention lavished onto the local arts scene.

How sad then that some people took it upon themselves to deface both pieces.

Less than a week had gone by before the Banksy was covered with scribblings.

The Prince Charles painting in Norman Road lasted even less time before it was splattered with black paint.

However, when speaking to the Observer this week, Ben Eine was philosophical.

Apparently, people covering another street artist's work comes with the territory.

It also seems the people behind the Banksy defacing were not yobs but a team of street artists with a long-standing grudge.

Graffiti politics aside though, it would have been nice if both pieces could have been left alone until everyone had a chance to see them.

Well done to Ben for re-doing his work.

THE news of the death of baby Rubie is as harrowing a story as any of us can remember.

To lose a child in this way must be every parent's worst nightmare. Our thoughts - and no doubt those of every reader - are with the family.