PLANS to bring in an order to put a stop to anti-social behaviour Dudley town centre have been approved and offenders now face a fine of up to £1,000.

Dudley Council launched a consultation earlier this year to seek feedback on a proposal to introduce a public space protection order (PSPO) in the town and 93 per cent of people who responded to the survey were in favour.

The order, which gives the local authority and police enhanced powers to restrict unreasonable and disruptive behaviour, has now come into force and it bans consumption of alcohol and intoxicating substances.

It also prohibits groups and individuals from causing nuisance, alarm, harassment or distress to others as well as urinating or defecating in a public space.

The order, which will be live for three years and reviewed on an annual basis, also includes powers to fine anyone found to discard a knife in a public place or drop litter.

It will cover streets including: Woodland Avenue, part of the public footpath leading to Castle Mill Woods, Gervase Drive, Broadway, Castle Hill, Birmingham Road, Wolverton Road, North Street, the Dudley Southern By-Pass, Martin Hill Street, Vicar Street, King Street, Queen’s Cross, Wellington Road, Stafford Street, Wolverhampton Street, Salop Street, Nath Place, The Broadway, Limes Road and Priory Road.

Anyone found to be in breach of it faces a fixed penalty notice of £100 or a maximum fine of £1,000.

Councillor Laura Taylor, Dudley Council's cabinet member responsible for community safety, said there had been "an overwhelmingly positive response in favour" of the order in Dudley and she added:“We have worked closely with our colleagues in the police to make this happen.

“This order gives us enhanced powers to crack down on the few thoughtless people who disrupt our communities. We can and will take action against those who fail to acknowledge the order.”

Kim Madill, chief superintendent for Dudley Police, said officers would be able to use powers within the PSPO to drive down anti-social behaviour and criminal acts and she added: “The swift intervention through the issuing of a fine can prevent escalation of the behaviour or even act as a deterrent in the first place to those intent on causing concerns to local residents and businesses.

“We know the issues covered in the orders are of concern to local communities and these additional powers complement other legislation we use as well as the joint working we have with partners to ensuring Dudley remains a safe place to live, work and visit.”

An order has also been introduced for Lye, near Stourbridge.