ALCOHOL will be banned in parts of Stowmarket town centre in a bid to tackle anti-social behaviour in the Suffolk town.Police have been given new powers to carry out the alcohol ban in areas that have experienced alcohol-fuelled bad behaviour from Monday .

ALCOHOL will be banned in parts of Stowmarket town centre in a bid to tackle anti-social behaviour in the Suffolk town.

Police have been given new powers to carry out the alcohol ban in areas that have experienced alcohol-fuelled bad behaviour from Monday .

Two zones have been set up in the town with one covering the town centre, including Ipswich Street, Crowe Street and Crown Street. The other area covers the recreation ground.

Inspector Les King said: “The introduction of this ban will give police officers the power to confiscate alcohol if it is being drunk in one of the designated areas. This in turn should help to eliminate instances of anti-social behaviour on the streets.

“The campaign has been timed to coincide with the start of the World Cup where alcohol consumption increases.

“The message we want to get across is that people should enjoy the football and enjoy a drink but do not drink alcohol on the streets within the designated areas.”

The new orders have been introduced as a joint venture between mid Suffolk police, Mid Suffolk District Council, Stowmarket Town Council and Stowmarket Crime and Reduction partnership.

People within the designated areas will still be able to drink alcohol in licensed premises but if they are in public police can ask them to stop. If they do not comply they will be issued with a fixed penalty notice.