POLICE in Stroud were out in force last week tackling the issue of street drinking in the town.

Following complaints by the local community, officers and special constables wore plain clothes to identify those drinking alcohol in the streets, parks and gardens within the designated alcohol-free zone in Stroud.

Officers in uniform were then called to deal with the offenders by either issuing a notice requiring them to stay out of the town centre for 48 hours, or if they had already been warned about drinking within the alcohol-free zone they were issued with a £50 fixed penalty notice.

As a result of the operation on Thursday, June 27, five notices were issued ordering offenders to leave the town centre and three £50 fixed penalty notices were issued.

Inspector Andy Poole said, "We have been warning those abusing the alcohol free zone for some weeks now. We have involved outside agencies to provide help for those who appear to have problems with alcohol and the Stroud District Council Community Safety Department have coordinated cleanup areas such as Bank and Park Gardens. It became clear however, that a number of people were not taking the help or advice on offer and continued to abuse the no drinking zone, only stopping when they saw a uniformed officer approaching.

“We will continue to enforce the alcohol free zone throughout the summer and we will pursue anti-social behaviour orders and drinks banning orders should people continue to disregard the law. I am intent on ensuring that the town’s parks and gardens remain a welcoming place for both visitors and the community as a whole."