City centre beauty spot targeted

Drunks causing problems at a Wolverhampton city centre beauty spot are being targeted by police following a spate of complaints.

St Peter's Gardens next to the art gallery in Lichfield Street is popular with shoppers and workers on their lunch breaks.

It is also a hangout for drunks, several of whom have been arrested in recent weeks after people complained about them, police revealed today.

And Inspector Simon Guilfoyle, who oversees policing in the city centre, warned daily patrols of the site were now being carried out.

He added: "Unfortunately it is the same few individuals who are spoiling the gardens for everyone else.

"As we approach the summer months, more people want to enjoy using the gardens - office workers, students and local people want to enjoy the nice weather and maybe eat their lunch. They certainly do not want it used as a haven for drinkers.

"We have already disposed of alcohol, made arrests and issued fixed penalty tickets. The area is patrolled on a daily basis and anyone acting in an anti-social manner is dealt with accordingly.

"We are collecting intelligence regarding who is involved and where the alcohol is being bought, and will take necessary steps regarding any irresponsible sale of alcohol."

Officers are working with Wolverhampton anti-social behaviour unit, Wolverhampton City Centre Company and shops, to tackle the problem.

Kim Gilmour, city centre manager, said: "We support increased activity around this hotspot which detracts from the normally pleasant environment around the art gallery, St Peter's Church and Queen Square."

Eight people are the subject of ASBOs banning them from St Peter's Gardens and other parts of the city centre for intimidating passers-by with "appalling conduct."

The seven men and one woman, who range in age from 17 to 45, repeatedly defied police and congregated in St Peter's Gardens drinking cider and lager, while abusing people passing by.