Public drinkers in Rochford Square will have their booze confiscated as the area becomes one of the latest to be declared an alcohol-free zone.
No drinking - one of the new signs warning against alcohol around Rochford Square Picture: ANNA LUKALA
Rochford joins Southend, Billericay and parts of Basildon in enforcing the areas, designed to cut down on drink-fuelled violence and vandalism.
The creation of the zone gives police powers to seize any open can or bottle of booze from drinkers in the area.
Nearly 30 signs appeared yesterday in North Street, East Street, Old Ship Lane and Union Lane, forming the boundaries of areas where the police have the power to ask anybody seen drinking to stop.
Inspector Steve Rawlings said the zone was imposed in response to public demand.
He said: "There's been a particular problem with youth nuisance there and there's been a lot of pressure from local people asking for increased police presence.
"Alcohol seems to be one of the root causes of anti-social behaviour in the area, so this is trying to deal with drunkenness and rowdiness there."
Published Thursday May 27, 2004
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