Ale trail louts will NOT be monitored by police on the streets every weekend as there isn’t any cash to pay for it, Kirklees’ top cop has admitted.

Amid growing concern that drunken behaviour in Marsden and Slaithwaite is out of control, officials have reviewed what can be done.

But Kirklees District Commander, Chief Supt Steve Cotter, has said it is “not practical” to have dedicated ale trail patrols in the two villages every weekend due to “resourcing pressures”.

A visible police presence is expected this August Bank Holiday weekend – a period known for a peak in ale trail related problems – but Chf Supt Cotter said he could not commit to regular weekend patrols.

Chief Superintendent Steve Cotter.

In a meeting with MP Thelma Walker, Chf Supt Cotter is reported to have said he shares the concerns about anti-social behaviour but revealed that there are very few complaints or 999 calls regarding the ale trail.

He reassured Mrs Walker that police will respond, “as and when incidents occur”.

A spokesperson for Mrs Walker said: “Chief Supt Cotter explained that West Yorkshire Police actually receive very few reports of problems caused by ‘ale trailers’ in the villages themselves but are working closely with British Transport Police to ensure that a concerted, partnership approach is taken to dealing with any issues that arise on or in the vicinity of the rail network as a result of the ale trail.

“All pubs and off-licences have licensing conditions which they must comply with which are set by the local authority but enforced by the police.

“Where necessary, officers will recommend that a licensing review is carried out on a premise if it is felt that they are not complying with existing conditions or that further conditions need putting in place.

“Much of this goes on behind the scenes and residents may not always see the positive action being taken.

“Thelma has also met with representatives from both Northern Rail and TransPennine Express to request their support in finding a solution.

“Thelma has even gone as far as to reach out to the Co-op management in the hope that by working together with businesses, landlords and the police we will be able to orchestrate an effective lasting solution.”

The move for a new clamp down was sparked by a particularly bad weekend in July with one Examiner reader saying Marsden was more like Magaluf, dubbing it the “worst weekend ever”.

In response an ale trail meeting was held earlier this month with businesses, residents, officials and politicians all involved.

One radical idea proposed by the Lib Dems is to have no train stops at the two villages during the afternoons at weekends.

It has also been proposed that Kirklees Council’s private environmental enforcement team, Kingdom, could be sent to patrol the area.

They have the authority to dish out fines for littering and urinating in public.