DRINKING alcohol in the streets of Bromyard could soon be banned.

Police are working closely with Herefordshire Council on the ban, according to Bromyard's local policing sergeant Martin Steer.

Speaking at a Bromyard Town Council meeting on Monday (September 19), Sgt Steer said the ban could come into force in March.

He said it would not affect the town's festivals.

"We're aware that during festivals people will be moving from pub to pub," he said.

"It can be reviewed during those times, a common-sense approach will be used."

The ban will be part of a range of measures introduced to tackle crime in Bromyard, since a Herefordshire police re-structuring programme. This has created police teams in each market town, which aim to reduce small-scale problems, including anti-social behaviour.

Bromyard's team, of three beat managers, and two community support officers, has already implemented a Section 30 order in the town centre.

This gives police the power to move people causing harassment or distress, out of the town centre.

Sgt Steer said the order had been successful, though not overly used, and may not be implemented in the town again.

"It's unlikely we would support another Section 30 application, but this situation could be reviewed if needed," he said.

Other projects have included Youth Fest, a range of activities for young people in the town, set up over the summer by community support officer Jo Isaacs.

It was seen as a great success and is due to be repeated at all school holidays.

The team is also trying to increase the number of neighbourhood watch groups in the area and introduce regular police surgeries with the public.