A tough new booze ban to clamp down on anti-social behaviour and underage drinking is set to be rolled out across the whole of a north Shropshire town.

Councillors in Elles-mere want to give the police the power to stop people drinking anywhere within the boundaries of the town.

However, people enjoying a drink on licensed premises or at licensed events will not be affected by the change in the law.

The move in Ellesmere is part of plans to extend police powers across north Shropshire to help officers get tough on crime and drink-fuelled bad behaviour.

Members of the town council met this week to discuss the proposed restrictions and send their views to North Shropshire District Council before public consultation ends on Monday.

Ellesmere mayor Geoff Elner said: “We didn’t want to restrict people sitting outside pubs or attending events, but this scheme would not do that so we agreed we would like to see the whole town included.

“It makes areas safer for people and easier for the police to control things, it gives the police more powers to help reduce problems in the area.

“This will now go back to the district council with our views and they will make a decision. After seeing schemes put in place in other areas I am sure they will support our views.”

Powers to restrict drinking in Ellesmere, Wem and Shawbury are expected to be added to the scheme launched in Market Drayton and Whitchurch in 2005.

The ban means police will be able to stop people drinking in designated areas and people will commit an offence if they continue to drink once asked not to.