A BAN on open-air drinking in towns and villages near Woodbridge could be introduced in the summer, it was announced yesterday.Suffolk police wants to be given powers this summer to control anti-social drinking in four more parts of the district where there are worries about the impact of alcohol-fuelled behaviour.

By Richard Smith

A BAN on open-air drinking in towns and villages near Woodbridge could be introduced in the summer, it was announced yesterday.

Suffolk police wants to be given powers this summer to control anti-social drinking in four more parts of the district where there are worries about the impact of alcohol-fuelled behaviour.

Now the public is being asked to give views on plans to introduce designation orders in parts of Framlingham, Kesgrave, Martlesham and Rushmere St Andrew.

Sherrie Green, Suffolk Coastal's cabinet member for community well-being, said yesterday: ''The town and parish councils of these areas have recognised the need to give the police the authority to take action against those who are drinking in public and acting anti-socially.

''The proposal is to make parts of these towns and villages designated zones. This does not mean that people cannot drink in these areas but it does mean the police can deal with anyone misbehaving while drinking.

''Similar restrictions have been introduced in Felixstowe, Leiston and Woodbridge and have helped the police improve the quality of life for those who live there. We need to know whether local people think these bans are covering the right roads.''

In the designated areas the police will have the power to require someone whose behaviour is deemed to be anti-social to stop drinking the alcohol in their possession and, if requested, hand over the drink. Failure to comply is an arrestable offence, with a potential fine of up to £500.

Cllr Green added: ''A substantial proportion of crime and disorder is linked to alcohol abuse and this measure will give the police additional powers to tackle the minority who act in an anti-social manner after having too much to drink.”

Suffolk Coastal is proposing to make an order under Section 13 (2) of the Criminal Justice and Police Act 2001. This means that within the designated areas, a police officer who reasonably believes that a person has consumed or intends to consume alcohol may require that person not to do so, require him or her to surrender anything which the police officer reasonably believes to be alcohol, and dispose of any item which has been surrendered.

A full list of the roads for the proposed designated areas is available from Suffolk Coastal. Anyone wanting to comment on the proposal should reply by March 19 to the Community Safety Officer, Suffolk Coastal District Council, Melton Hill, Woodbridge IP12 1AU or email communitysafety@suffolkcoastal.gov.uk