A crackdown has been launched on anti-social drinking in Dover town centre with off-licences agreeing not to sell strong booze to street drinkers.

The Dover District Community Safety Partnership has joined forces with other agencies to launch the Reduce The Strength project in an attempt to cut down on drink-related anti-social behaviour in the town.

It follows about drinkers in the town and the impression that it creates for visitors, as well as upsetting townsfolk and business people.

The project will be for a six-month trial period and aims to stop alcohol over 6.5% being sold to street drinkers.

Six shops have already signed up to the project in Dover, and others are being asked to join.

The agencies backing this scheme are Dover District Council, Kent Police, Turning Point, Port of Dover Police, Dover Partnership Against Crime and Dover Town Council.

Cllr Sue Chandler, district council cabinet member for community, said: “Street drinking needs to be controlled and, working together, steps have been taken to make sure that Dover continues to be a welcoming place to residents and visitors.”

Karen Griffiths, co-ordinator of the Dover Partnership Against Crime which runs the Shopwatch scheme, said: “Alcohol plays a big part in anti-social behaviour and some crime in town centres.

“We are working with the other agencies to prevent stronger drinks from being sold to those who behave anti-socially. Our members want to make sure Dover remains a pleasant place to live and work, and we will do all we can to support this scheme.”