A BOOZE ban in Bewdley town centre has been given the thumbs-up by residents and businesses - raising hopes for similar schemes in Kidderminster and Stourport.

The zone could also be widened in Bewdley after a survey found the ban had pushed boozers out of the town centre.

A survey found three-quarters of residents and businesses questioned felt the ban on open alcohol containers in the street had been "very" or "fairly" successful.

Half felt youth disorder was down, while 40 per cent had noticed a drop in anti-social behaviour by adults.

The "general atmosphere" in the zone had improved, according to 53 per cent of respondents.

The ban was brought in by Wyre Forest District Council last July and can be enforced by police with a £500 fine.

Councillor Nathan Desmond, cabinet member for community and leisure services on the council, said the news raised the prospect of zones for Kidderminster and Stourport.

He said: "We have seen the benefits that the alcohol restriction zone has had in Bewdley and I feel that the benefits can be mirrored within Stourport and Kidderminster."

The Shuttle/Times and News called for a booze ban in both towns in April, after two women were assaulted in Kidderminster's Swan Shopping Centre.

An extension of the zone in Bewdley could also be on the cards, Councillor Desmond said.

The survey found 29 per cent of respondents felt there had been an increase in alcohol-related problems elsewhere in Bewdley.

Two-thirds said the zone should be extended, although West Mercia Constabulary supported a small expansion.

The original ban had been called for by Bewdley Town Council which, last month, appealed for an extension to the area around Northwood Lane paddling pool, the leisure centre on Stourport Road and play areas at Bark Hill and Shaw Hedge Road.

Dave Jones, Chief Inspector at West Mercia's North Worcestershire Division, said: "Although policing the zone has meant an increase in work for local officers, it has clearly shown its rewards."

A total of 128 questionnaires were completed, along with focus group sessions, and the results will be further considered by the district council's community and leisure services panel in November.