Criticism over drinker 'wet room' proposals in Plymouth
Proposals for special shelters to be set up in Plymouth for street drinkers have been criticised by a charity.
Plymouth City Council leader Vivien Pengelly said so-called "wet areas" or "wet rooms" were being considered.
Ms Pengelly said she wanted to investigate their use in response to some complaints about street drinkers.
John Hamblin of the Shekinah Mission, which helps ex-offenders, the homeless and substance and alcohol abusers, said he had "grave reservations".
Problem 'still there'
Ms Pengelly, leader of the Conservative-run authority, said she had heard about such shelters in other cities.
She said that a council officer and police were to be consulted about their effectiveness.
Mr Hamblin, the chief executive of the mission, said he had examined wet rooms in other places.
He said they did not help people with alcohol problems deal with their condition.
"The concept of a wet room is just to kind of brush the issues away.
"I think it makes it more palatable for society that you can't see people. It doesn't actually get rid of the problem."