COUNCIL bosses are looking to extend a ban on anti-social street drinking in Kidderminster town centre to combat ongoing issues.

Wyre Forest District Council is planning to renew a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO), which restricts alcohol consumption in the designated area, until 2021.

Residents and businesses are now being asked for their views on the proposal.

The current PSPO was introduced in 2015 and, if extended, would continue to allow officers to order people to stop drinking alcohol and hand over or dispose of it in the town centre.

People who fail to do so face on-the-spot fines of up top to £100, or up to £1,000 if the case goes to court.

The order is not an outright ban on street drinking as consuming alcohol in a public place is not an offence unless drinkers fail to comply with an officer’s request.

As it stands, the PSPO covering Kidderminster town centre does not make it illegal to carry or drink alcohol, so long as drinking is done responsibly. It will only be used to tackle alcohol related anti-social behaviour or disorder.

Councillor Juliet Smith, Cabinet Member for community wellbeing and environment said: “Anti-social drinking in Kidderminster town centre unfortunately continues to be an issue, and extending the PSPO would ensure West Mercia Police and Wyre Forest District Council civil enforcement officers still have the powers to help tackle this issue.

“We recognise the PSPO alone cannot tackle this and we are exploring all possible actions in conjunction with our partners.”

A survey is available at www.wyreforestdc.gov.uk/pspoconsultation while further comments can be sent to community.safety@wyreforestdc.gov.uk. The consultation closes on Monday 6 August 2018.