Drinkers who cause trouble tonight in and around Oswestry are being warned they face tougher police action as part of a new crackdown.

New measures to tackle anti-social behaviour in 11 troublespots come into force today. Community leaders say they hope the new powers will lead to a crackdown on drunken yobs and the trouble they cause.

Among the troublespots now designated as alcohol control zones is Gobowen’s playing fields and pavilion off St Martins Road, which have regularly fallen foul of vandals and yobs.

Selattyn and Gobowen Parish Council chairman Councillor Ron Jones said he fully backed the new powers.

Councillor Jones said: “We have been asking for this for years.

“We are spending a lot of money on the playing fields and this order will help reduce trouble.

“We need these orders to help the police control troublemakers.

“If people are drinking and misbehaving the police can deal with them with these new powers.”

The imposition of the Designated Public Places Orders helps police clamp down on drink-related anti-social behaviour.

They allow police and community support officers to stop people drinking in the designated area and, if necessary, to seize alcohol.

The orders do not make the areas alcohol ban zones but it does make it an offence if someone refuses to comply with a police officer’s request to stop drinking.

Areas of Oswestry covered by the order include Cae Glas Park, Brogyntyn Park, the Gatacre sports ground, Castle Bank, parish church grounds, and the Central Car Park.

The town centre including Willow Street, New Street, Church Street and The Cross is also included in the order.

Two areas in Weston Rhyn, one in Chirk Bank, and one in St Martins are also included.

Oswestry police inspector Jim Stafford has also said he welcomed the orders.

He said they were a useful tool in tackling anti-social behaviour and warned people who are acting anti-socially in these areas should not be surprised if officers take their alcohol from them in the future.

By Iain St John