A SPECIAL centre might have to be created to take drinkingoff Worcester's streets, a city councillor has warned.

Former Mayor of Worcester Coun Jo Hodges predicted more bans to stop public drinking will be required unless the root of alcohol problems are addressed.

She said a "wet house" - where street drinkers can stay and receive help - could be a solution to continuing problems.

Her call came as councillors confirmed by laws will be introduced to stop drinking outside St John in Bedwardine Church where louts have been begging, urinating on the church and intimidating parishioners.

"We are adding more and more places (where drinking is banned) and merely moving the problem and I ask us all, what are we going to do to address the problem itself?" Coun Hodges asked at Tuesday's full council meeting.

"I think it is time to think seriously about providing a "wet house" - somewhere people can go and drink and not be a nuisance to members of the public."

Coun Hodges was prominent in the campaign for a special wet area to be created in the city six years ago.

During her term as mayor from 1999 to 2000, she said former alcoholics should be encouraged to go into schools to share their experiences with young drinkers.

Former city centre police officer Coun Ian Imray said that although a wet centre was ruled out when city centre drinking was restricted, a review may be needed with co-operation from alcohol help groups.

"Maybe it is time to look at it again but really I don't think as a council we can do anything about it independently," he added.

The Rev Christopher Pullin said the order was needed for the day-to-day running of his church to continue.

"It is not simply that we are trying to shove people away and get rid of them but we have a responsibility to people who need to come to church for weddings and funerals," he said.

"At the same time, I don't want it interpreted to be persecuting people with a real problem. As a church council we have been talking a lot about engaging in problems of this kind."

n Conservative Party leader Michael Howard is due to highlight binge drinking when he visits Newton Farm community centre, Hereford, today.