A NEW order designed to crack down on alcohol-related anti-social behaviour in Colchester could be implemented in time for the Christmas party season.A Designated Public Places Order (DPPO) would create a zone in the town centre in which the police would have discretionary powers to confiscate alcohol from adults who are causing disorder.

A NEW order designed to crack down on alcohol-related anti-social behaviour in Colchester could be implemented in time for the Christmas party season.

A Designated Public Places Order (DPPO) would create a zone in the town centre in which the police would have discretionary powers to confiscate alcohol from adults who are causing disorder.

While it would not be an offence to drink alcohol in this area, anyone who fails to comply with a police officer's request to surrender alcohol, without reasonable excuse, could be arrested or issued with a fixed penalty notice.

Margaret Kimberley, Colchester Borough Council's portfolio holder for neighbourhoods, said: “Visitors, residents and businesses of Colchester should be able to enjoy the benefits of our vibrant town centre without having to put up with the disorder caused by the behaviour of people who are drunk and acting in an anti-social way.

“We are working closely with the police and other organisations to address the problem of anti-social behaviour and we hope the creation of a DPPO will give extra support to police officers on the ground.”

Colchester Borough Council's cabinet looks set to recommend that the creation of a DPPO gets the go ahead on Wednesday.

If approved, the order is expected to be ratified by the full council on November 13 and should be in place on December 1.

Before making the order, the council must be satisfied that there is an existing problem with anti-social drinking in the proposed area.

Reports of alcohol-related incidents and disorder have been examined in depth by the police and have been made available to councillors to view before they make their recommendation.

A similar order, designed to crack down on drinking and anti-social behaviour in Clacton town centre and seafront area, is also expected to be introduced after Tendring District Council's cabinet agreed to it in principle on Wednesday.