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ANYONE caught drinking in Sedgley's streets will now be arrested, after Dudley Councillors backed an alcohol ban for the town in a bid to curb unruly behaviour.

Dudley Council's licensing and safety committee were asked to consider an order to make the drinking of alcohol in the town's streets and open areas an arrestable offence and agreed for the ban to go ahead from May 2.

Although the police already have powers to confiscate alcohol from people who are or appear to be under the age of 18, the order now gives them the power of arrest.

As well as the town centre, the affected areas include Dormston, Alder Coppice St Chad's and Queen Victoria schools and also stretches to Cotwall End Nature Reserve at the south of Sedgley and Beacon Centre for the Blind at the north end.

Around 300 households in the immediate area of the proposed ban were informed about the plans, and councillors discussed it at area committee meetings.

However all representations made to the council were in support of the proposals.

Councillor Julian Ryder, chair of the licensing and safety committee, said: "This order will give the police more powers to put a stop to this kind of anti-social behaviour in and around the Sedgley area.

"We are pleased the order will come into effect in May and we are sure it will be welcomed by the police and local residents alike."

PC Richard Dunmore, said: "This is an excellent example of neighbourhood policing.

"We work with our partners, including Sedgley Beacon Tenants and Residents Association, Dudley's community safety partnership and safe & sound, listening to the concerns of the community and acting on them.

"The alcohol ban will be robustly enforced by the Sedgley policing team.

"We are committed to reducing alcohol related crime and anti-social behaviour to make Sedgley a safer place to live, work and visit."

The order will be reviewed by the police in 12 months time.

11:38am Wednesday 26th March 2008

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