Drinkers flout town's alcohol ban

People who flout a drinking ban in a Derbyshire town centre are to be targeted as part of a police crackdown.

Extra patrols have been introduced in the centre of Chesterfield which has been designated as an alcohol exclusion zone.

That means alcohol can only be consumed on licensed premises but police said drinkers have again begun to congregate around Market Place.

Anyone caught drinking in the exclusion zone could face a £500 fine.

Chesterfield town centre's Safer Neighbourhood Team has put up more signs to warn people of the ban.

PCSO John Lockwood said: "Unfortunately some people have ignored the exclusion order and as a result we have had reports of cans and bottles left by drinkers and damage caused in the town centre."

Police said they are also working with the borough council's CCTV service to catch people drinking in the exclusion zone.