Drunken louts watch out in May for the full force of the law

That was the promise of police and councillors after the drink control zone was agreed by Arun District Council last Wednesday.

But they were also quick to point out that people enjoying a quiet drink in a park or on the beach had nothing to fear, as the order is intended to curb only troublemakers fuelled by alcohol.

The zone covers the entire Arun coastal area, from Ferring to Pagham, and including East Preston, Rustington, Littlehampton and part of Climping, but not Angmering and Arundel.

It covers 850 streets, as well as parks, recreation grounds and the seafront, and gives police the power to order drinkers to stop consuming alcohol, and also to hand over open and sealed bottles and cans of drink. Anyone refusing to do this could be arrested and prosecuted, with a maximum fine of 500 on conviction.

Littlehampton River ward councillor Mark Butler welcomed the introduction of the drinking zone. His ward, which includes the town centre, has one of the worst records for public place violence and disorder.

"We have suffered for many years with some severe problems in this area. I look forward to this being implemented," he told last week's full meeting of Arun councillors.

Councillor Mike Northeast, whose Littlehampton Ham ward is also one of Arun's crime hotspots, said he wholeheartedly supported the zone, but called on police to improve their response to the public, in order to give people confidence in using the town centre and beaches.

Roger Elkins, Arun cabinet member for community safety, said: "These drinking control areas are designed to stop alcohol-fuelled anti-social behaviour. I am delighted to say that the proposals enjoy the full backing of district residents, town and parish councils, as well as the wider Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership members."

A public consultation held before the order was made revealed widespread support for the measure, although some parishes, such as Yapton and Barnham, were disappointed the zone did not include their villages.