TWO men have been prosecuted following a crackdown on street offences in Worcester city centre.

Paul Green, of Teme Road, became the 15th person in 12 months to be successfully brought to book by the city council for drinking alcohol in a designated no-drinking area.

He was fined £250 by Worcester magistrates and was ordered to pay costs of £60.

The city council's prosecuting solicitor, Wendy Rushton, said bylaws prohibiting alcohol consumption in the centre of Worcester were introduced in March 1998 in response to public concern about street drinking.

"Before the bylaws were made, in excess of 250 complaints about public drinking had been received by the police in just six months," she said.

The city council has also been active in pursuing unauthorised street traders.

Partnership

Leonard Gray, of Coalpit Heath in Bristol, recently admitted trading without authorisation and was fined £100, plus £50 costs, by Worcester magistrates.

Both prosecutions were brought by the city council, working in partnership with West Mercia Police and the City Centre Forum.

City centre police officer, PC Mick Norton, said he was pleased with the result of the court hearings.

"I would remind people that anyone found drinking and reported for the offence will be prosecuted every time," he said.

Georgia Smith, city centre manager, voiced her support of the crackdown on street offences.

"Worcester is a very pleasant place to live, work and visit," she said.

"Through the combined efforts of dedicated police officers and council staff our aim is to ensure it stays that way"

"No one should have any doubts of our intentions on that issue," she added.