Clampdown on drinking supported by council

North Lincolnshire Council supported the initiative which came about in response to public concerns about disorder at Westcliff Precinct.

It will give police the power to seize alcohol from people who drink in the area.

It makes it a criminal offence for any person to drink alcohol in Westcliff Precinct after being asked by a police officer not to do so. Drinkers can be arrested and fined if they do not obey.

Business owners, shoppers and people living in the area have often made complaints about problems caused by nuisance drinkers in the precinct.

A survey carried out in October 2009 found the biggest problem in the area was groups of drunken people hanging around the entrance to the precinct.

Retailers have said the problem drinkers put people off shopping in the precinct and severely affect their trade.

Councillor Len Foster, deputy leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: "Many people should now feel safer visiting Westcliff Precinct now this order is in place. The Safer Neighbourhoods Partnership has been working hard with people in the precinct to cut anti-social behaviour.

"This restriction on public drinking is a big step forward and gives our partners at Humberside Police the power to take action against those that are ruining the area for others."

Brumby Ward Neighbourhood sergeant Phil Moore said: "I am very pleased that this order is now in place and would like to thank our members of the Safer Neighbourhoods Partnership who have been very pro-active in the last several months collating information and consulting with the community."