Boozing banned in town centre

Ludlow town centre is set to become a booze-free zone and offenders could be handed fines of up to £500 if caught drinking.

Alcohol control area signs will now be put up in visible places, such as on lampposts, warning people they are in a designated public place where police officers can stop them from drinking and ask them to surrender any alcohol.

The signs will also warn it is a criminal offence to refuse and offenders could be arrested and, if convicted, fined up to £500.

District councillor for the town centre, Martin Taylor-Smith said: "People in the town centre have been calling for this and it is an effort by the council to clamp down on anti-social behaviour.

"I recently spotted someone throwing up in the doorway of the Cats Protection League charity shop with their friends looking on."

Signs will appear in areas such as Castle Gardens, and by St Laurence's and St Leonard's churches.