ANYONE caught drinking in Brierley Hill’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 11.

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.

Around 800 households in the immediate area of the proposed ban were informed about the plans, and councillors discussed it at Brierley Hill Area Committee meetings.

However all 23 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 Brierley Hill town centre. We are pleased the order will come into affect in May and we are sure it will be welcomed by the police and local residents alike.”

PC Kevin Sinar, of Brierley Hill Police Station, added: “The alcohol ban will be robustly enforced by Brierley Hill policing team. We are committed to reducing alcohol related crime and anti-social behaviour to make Brierley Hill a safer place to live, work and visit.”

The order will be reviewed after 12 months by the police.