New police powers sought to tackle drunks and louts in Walsall town centre

At present, there is only one similar order in force, which gives police powers to criminalise behaviour that is not normally criminal in a particular area, across the borough.

The first was brought into force across the Beechdale estate back in May as community leaders claimed they needed to 'look at something that hasn't been done before to tackle anti social behaviour in the area.

Now, neighbourhood officers from the St Matthews police team hope to have the order in place by the end of the year to cover Walsall town centre.

They claim street drinking near the bus station is a major problem which has prompted the move.

Sergeant Julie Whiting said: "Street drinking and anti-social behaviour have increased concern within the town centre in the location of Bradford Place close to the bus station in Walsall town centre.

"St Matthews neighbourhood team have worked hard to reduce the drink related anti-social behaviour that was prevalent on the Bridge area by targeting repeat offenders and taking robust action on drink related incidents.

"This has now displaced some of the issues onto the other side of the town centre close to Bradford Place bus station.

See also: Fury over drunks using Walsall's war memorial as a toilet

"The bus station appears to be an attraction for social gatherings and drink related issues; this causes concern for the local community and local businesses.

"There is currently a borough wide designated public place order which prohibits the consumption of alcohol within that area.

"Officers from St Matthews neighbourhood team proactively target those street drinkers who repeatedly commit offences using drunk and disorderly powers or issuing Community Protection Warnings against them.

"St Matthews neighbourhood team are working with partner agencies to resolve the long term issues and hope to have the town centre public space protection order by the end of the year."

Aftab Nawaz, councillor for the St Matthews ward, said: "The plans to bring in a public space protection order in the town centre is something I am aware of and something I support.

"We have had lots of issues over the past few months, mainly with street drinkers and I am glad to see the police are taking action.

"It shouldn't be the case that we have people using our town centre as a place to drink cheap beer outdoors all day, we have plenty of licensed bars and pubs.

"It isn't fair on our residents, particularly the children, who have to see these people get too drunk and potentially become aggressive or rude.

"I think the quicker we get this in place the better."