PLANS to extend the proposed alcohol restriction zone in Stourport are expected to be given the green light by Wyre Forest District Council and should to be in place early next year.

The crackdown would give police the right to confiscate booze from people in the designated areas. Anyone refusing to hand over their drink faces the threat of being arrested and a £500 fine.

Boundaries of the scheme, which covers most of the town and the War Memorial Park, have been widened following strong support from residents.

More than 1,500 people were given the opportunity to submit their views through a public consultation in October.

The council's cabinet member for community safety and leisure services, Nathan Desmond, said the scheme would get the thumbs up at a full council meeting next week and should be in operation by March.

He explained: "The plans have been extremely well supported by businesses, residents and town council. It will give police vital extra powers to tackle the growing problem of anti-social behaviour, which is mostly drink related."

The district's first zone in Bewdley, which has been operational since 2003, resulted in a 30 per cent drop in alcohol-related crime and disorder in the first year.

Mr Desmond stressed the move was not intended as a total alcohol ban and would only target the minority of lawbreakers.

He said: "The Riverside is a very busy place in the summer and is popular with tourists and families. People who want to have a glass of wine or beer will still be able to do so. It is not designed to affect those who enjoy themselves in a responsible way."

PC Jon Harris, Stourport beat manager, said: "The aim is to reduce the problems arising from under-age drinking, reduce public drunkenness, and prevent alcohol-related crime and disorder.

"It's a minority of people causing the problem and, should the proposal go ahead, law abiding people will not be affected by the zone."