POLICE have been given new powers to seize cans of alcohol in Worcester's "no drinking" zones.

The Government has introduced a raft of changes to close a loophole in the law which meant police were only able to seize opened cans and bottles in the "no alcohol" zones leaving youths free to carry on drinking unopened ones once officers had moved away.

But from today, Worcester police will be able to confiscate all alcoholic drinks in the city centre, Reindeer Court, CrownGate and all tow paths, which are designated "no alcohol" zones, following an amendment to the Criminal Justice and Police Act 2001.

The Government hopes the changes will help reduce public nuisance.

"These new powers will be used against those who are, through their drinking, causing a public nuisance or are likely to do so," said Home Office Minister Hazel Blears.

"We know that violent crime is often fuelled by alcohol - the British Crime Survey shows that 47 per cent of violent crimes are committed by offenders under the influence of alcohol."

And Robert Moreland, chairman of the Worcester Community Safety Group, said he welcomed the changes.

"Tackling disorder stemming from alcohol is one of the key aims in our Community Safety Strategy and these changes will give us one more tool in our armoury to improve community safety for the residents and visitors to Worcester," said Mr Moreland, head of Worcester City Council's Policy and Review.