A BAN on drinking, begging and sleeping rough on the streets of a Hampshire town has come into force.

The public space protection order has been brought in in Gosport.

The order which was approved by councillors last month makes it an offence to beg, drink alcohol or sleep rough when asked not to do by a police officer.

It also aims to stop urinating in the street, being abusive or taking drugs in the street.

Civic chiefs in the town introduced the plans after concerns were raised by shop traders about the public drinking, drug taking and aggressive begging, with the areas around High Street and South Street among the worst affected.