Grimsby introduces rules to control street drinking

West Marsh, East Marsh, Park, Heneage, Sidney Sussex, Croft Baker and South have been made into controlled drinking zones

Powers aimed at stopping people drinking in the street have been introduced in North East Lincolnshire.

The council has made the move after complaints of anti-social behaviour in public places.

In a number of areas in Grimsby it will now become an offence to carry on drinking when asked to stop by police or council officers.

Officials say drinkers are bothering locals but a civil liberties group has said police do not need more powers.

Matthew Grove, the Humberside Police and Crime Commissioner, has welcomed the move.

He said: "This is not families having nice picnics on grassy areas. Imagine having four dishevelled men leaning against the wall of your shop at 10am, drinking lager. This was happening every day."

West Marsh, East Marsh, Park, Heneage, Sidney Sussex, Croft Baker and South will be turned into so-called controlled drinking zones.

Josie Appleton, from the civil liberties group the Manifesto Club, said: "The criminal law should be enforced but people who are not doing anything wrong should be left in peace to go about their business.

"People may not like them sitting on a bench having a drink but they are not committing an offence."