A CRACKDOWN on anti-social drinking in Stourport could see police given extra powers to confiscate booze from troublemakers.

Plans for an alcohol restriction zone to cover much of the town centre and War Memorial Park were unveiled by Wyre Forest District Council this week and have been welcomed by traders and councillors.

Lickhill district councillor and Stourport businessman, Brian Glass - who repeatedly called for a booze ban in the town's streets when he was chairman of the Wyre Forest Safety Partnership - said he believed the alcohol free zone would cut crime.

He added a member of staff at his shop, Mr CleanCall's laundry and dry cleaners in the High Street, had been the victim of a booze-fuelled attack during the past year and other symptoms of anti-social drinking in the town included broken windows and fights.

"There are yobs walking through the streets drinking from bottles and cans and what this will do is give the police the power to confiscate alcohol and if people don't give it to the police they can be arrested," he said, "We certainly need it."

PC Jon Harris, of West Mercia Constabulary, said the proposed zone - similar to the one hailed a success in Bewdley - was intended to target particular problem areas and individuals.

Police spokeswoman, Lynne Masters, added: "If people are drinking responsibly then there's no problem - it's only if they start behaving in an anti-social manner that they can be asked to surrender the alcohol and if they refuse they can get arrested."

More than 1,500 residents and business people, located within or immediately surrounding the proposed zone, have been asked for their views on the scheme and a plan outlining it can be viewed at the Civic Centre reception in New Street, Stourport, between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday until October 14.

It can also be accessed online at www.wyreforestdc.gov.uk.

The district council's cabinet member for community and leisure services, Nathan Desmond, encouraged residents to send their views to the council.

"Anti-social drinking must be dealt with before it gets out of hand," he said.

Anyone wishing to comment on the proposals should contact Walter Delin, chief executive, Wyre Forest District Council, Stourport, Worcestershire, DY13 8UJ by Friday, October 14.