by Chris Flavell

POLICE have stepped up their campaign to deal with alcohol-fuelled incidents in the town's streets and parks.

The crackdown comes only a few weeks after the police backed a scheme aimed at promoting a stringent 'No ID No sale' policy to stop teenagers getting their hands on age-restricted goods.

Now Spa police are also clamping down on the consumption of alcohol in designated 'no drinking' areas.

Officers believe that while most members of the public know that it is illegal to sell alcohol to under 18s, there is a real misconception that it is lawful for people to sit in the park and drink cans of lager and bottles of cider.

Sgt Mark Smith, of Droitwich police, said: "Most of the town centre, the parks, and many other parts of Droitwich are designated 'No alcohol zones'.

"These zones were put in place by Wychavon District Council, after consultation with local residents and the police. The purpose of the zones, which are clearly marked with signs, is to create areas where people can live, work, shop, or relax without the problems of alcohol-induced disorder and anti-social behaviour."

Sgt Smith also said that police officers regularly patrol areas where youths congregate and drink alcohol and that sometimes the officers may be in plain clothes, but will always show identification. "Police officers and community support officers are entitled to seize alcohol from anyone drinking, or suspected to be drinking, in designated zones - such as the Lido Park.

"Anyone suspected of drinking in a designated zone, who refuses to hand over their alcohol to a police officer, could face arrest and a fine up to £5,000, no matter how old the are," added Sgt Smith.

"When people are drunk, acting anti-socially, or damaging other people's property, then the police will take action."