Fans given lollipops and water to stop anti-social behaviour

Council chiefs have come up with an innovative way of cooling tempers during this year's World Cup.

Thousands of lollipops and bottles of water will be handed out in Sutton to curb anti-social behaviour.

The lollies and water will be given out for free to football fans as they leave bars, pubs and clubs after games during the tournament.

It has been organised by Sutton Council, with supermarket Asda supplying 5,000 lollies and 5,000 bottles of water for free as part of an ongoing community involvement programme.

Cllr Graham Tope, Executive Member for Community Safety at Sutton Council, said: "Sutton is a popular place to have a night out. Noise and agro coming from pubs and clubs can be a pain but a lolly or drink of water can calm things down.

"Rehydrated fans quietly sucking on lollies means cheaper policing and quieter A&E departments."

The lollipops will be handed out by staff at licensed premises across Sutton, while Sutton Street Pastors - volunteers from local churches who patrol the High Street late at weekends to provide care and support to individuals who need it - distributing the water.