THE police could soon have powers to stop people drinking alcohol in the centre of Malvern and four other parts of the town.
The following areas may all be designated as areas where alcohol consumption can be controlled:
* The town centre, including Priory Park, Rosebank Gardens and Belle Vue Terrace
* The Dukes Meadow playing fields
* Victoria Park
* Great Malvern cemetery
* Avon Close play area
Malvern Hills District Council will discuss whether the areas should come under the Criminal Justice and Police Act at their meeting tonight.
Nigel Snape, the district council's head of governance and democracy, said if the areas were designated it would not be an offence to drink alcohol there but the police could ask a person to stop drinking and if they did not they could be arrested.
Community safety manager Jenny Lawrence said: "We are picking up on areas that have been hotspots for anti-social behaviour and where it is practical to do it. Alcohol does cause problems and contributes to problems of criminal damage. These designated areas are another tool to support crime reduction."
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