POLICE officers in Hartlepool have been handed new powers to clampdown on drink-fueled anti-social behaviour.

A total of 203 streets in 16 wards across the town are now covered by Designated Public Place Orders (DPPO), which allow officers to confiscate alcohol where they deem it necessary.

It is not an offence to consume alcohol in one of these areas, but it is an offence to continue drinking if a police officer, police community support officer or community safety warden requests the drinker to stop and surrender the alcohol, whether the can or bottle is unopened or not.

People who refuse face a fixed penalty fine of 50 or a maximum fine of 500 if the matter ends up in court.

DPPOs have been introduced as a way of protecting communities against irresponsible or under-age drinking.

The 16 wards in Hartlepool covered by the orders are Throston, Brus, Burn Valley, Dyke House, Fens, Foggy Furze, Grange, Greatham, Hart, Owton, Park, Rift House, Rossmere, Seaton, St Hilda and Stranton.

Community safety staff working under the banner of the Safer Hartlepool Partnership have consulted with members of the public.

Analysts have also been used to gather intelligence about where DPPOs should be introduced.

Councils can designate public areas where they are satisfied nuisance, annoyance or disorder can be associated with public drinking in that area.

Superintendent Andy Summerbell, Hartlepool Police District Commander, said: The powers will allow officers to take alcohol from people who act irresponsibly and whose actions are often anti-social, causing concern and fear to local residents.

We will be robust in the use of these additional powers to reduce anti-social behaviour and crime.

Hartlepool Mayor Stuart Drummond, who is also chair of the Safer Hartlepool Partnership, added: We are determined to clampdown on the antics of people who behave irresponsibly under the influence of alcohol, and I am delighted that the police now have these additional powers.

Last year Redcar and Cleveland introduced these alcohol controlled zones to combat anti-social behaviour caused by drinking.

The towns and villages covered include Brotton, Marske, Redcar, Loftus, Guisborough, Eston, Saltburn, Normanby and Carlin How, as well as a number of parks, shopping centres and playing fields.