FRESH measures to tackle anti-social behaviour could see Church Hill boozers facing fines of up to £500.

Town police have applied to Redditch Council to introduce a Designated Public Places Order, granting them powers to confiscate alcohol within an area in or around Church Hill Community Centre, in Loxley Close.

The order means youngsters could face a £50 penalty notice or prosecution and a £500 fine and bail conditions if they fail to hand over alcohol on request.

Police recently met with residents and councillors to discuss methods of relieving anti-social behaviour in the area.

The application comes less than a month after a Section 30 order, allowing police to disperse gangs of two or more, was slapped on the community centre, the YMCA car park and surrounding areas.

Last month, Sgt Neil Billingham told the Advertiser Church Hill had seen a fall in the number of complaints about nuisance behaviour.

But he said the council's Designated Public Places Order would "significantly reduce alcohol related disorder".

He added: "It will also serve to lessen the attractiveness of an area to groups of youths wishing to get drunk, thereby reducing gatherings."

Church Hall ward councillor David Hunt said police, councillors and residents had agreed to "form a united front to tackle a minority whose behaviour is affecting the rest of the young people in the area."

The proposed area covered by the order will be decided on following public consultation involving residents, surrounding businesses and other organisations.