By John Corness

DRUNKEN louts are facing a new crackdown on two fronts in Tenbury Wells.

Bans aimed at anti-social public drinking are on the cards for parts of the town. And a new exclusion scheme is being launched this month, which would bar yobs from every one of the town's pubs.

The children's playground and the council cemetery may be designated as areas where drinking could be restricted. The police have also suggested areas in and around Church Walk and Church Street.

Tenbury town councillors have met to discuss whether designated zones were needed or not. They agreed, with nine in favour and one abstention, that the playground and cemetery should be designated under the Criminal Justice and Police Act.

The final decision rests with Malvern Hills District Council.

At the same meeting, councillors heard a report from Sgt Sean Kent of the local police. He said the police had been working with the Licensed Victuallers' Association on a new exclusion scheme, which is being launched on November 1.

Councillors questioned him about issues such as late-night noise, drink-related incidents and vandalism. He promised to report to the council soon on a new police response team based in Worcester.

Sgt Kent told councillors of powers the council and police could use in areas that have and have not been designated.

He suggested areas in and around Church Walk and Church Street could be designated as areas where drinking should be restricted. He was thanked for his advice, but the council, in its recommendations to the district council, did not include Church Street and Church Walk among its suggested designated areas.

In a further bid to clamp down on the yobs, pubs in the area are expected to sign up to the new exclusion scheme. People guilty of causing serious trouble, fighting or persistent loutish behaviour, especially if they are arrested, or if several publicans complain about them, will be considered for banning.

The police can issue an exclusion order, or decide to consult publicans or magistrates before doing so.

All the pubs throughout the area are expected to agree to enforce the blanket ban.