In a bid to stamp out drunken and anti-social behaviour the heart of Ashford is set to become an alcohol free zone.

News that the council is working with police to make it illegal to drink in public, apart from in pubs and clubs, is being welcomed.

Police have proposed a Designated Public Place Order (DPPO) for Victoria Ward, which includes the town centre. DPPOs can be introduced in areas where disorder has been associated with consuming alcohol.

Police have drawn up a document detailing records of crime and anti-social behaviour in the ward from January to July this year.

Ashford police licensing and enforcement officer, Dave Griffiths, said Ashford has one of the lowest crime rates in the area, even though it is the largest borough in Kent.

But he added: “As a thriving town which is experiencing rapid and ongoing growth, the development of the daytime retail economy and night-time pub, club and restaurant economy does mean we sometimes get alcohol-related crime and disorder.

“The DPPO is another tool that will enable officers to deal effectively with the minority of people who cause problems in the town centre"

See this week's Kentish Express for the full story.