ROWDY drinkers are being warned they face being thrown out of town if they don’t mend their ways.

Police in Consett say they plan to use powers to order people found to be drunk to leave the town centre or face being arrested and spend the night sobering up in a cell.

As the weather improves and more people head for the town’s famous pub and club circuit, officers are launching a summer-long operation with other agencies to curb the number of drink-related incidents.

The number of patrols to combat anti-social behaviour will be stepped up and officers will be equipped with "Section 27" notices, which can be produced on the spot to anyone who is drunk and causing a nuisance.

The notices warn that if they fail to leave the area when directed they face being arrested.

Alcohol education officers are also working in schools to educate young people about the dangers of drinking at a young age.

Over the last few weeks, several notices have been issued, including two men ordered out of town at the weekend.

Sgt Keith Wardle said: "The aim of the operation is to make sure people coming into the town can enjoy our night time economy safely.

"The various actions we have set in place will run into the summer months.

"Consett town centre has been identified as a hotspot for anti-social behaviour linked to the night time economy. There is also an issue with routes out of the town where damage has been caused to property or vehicles."

He added: "This drunkenness and criminal damage will not be tolerated.

"We are not out to spoil anyone’s fun, but those who cannot behave will find themselves on the receiving end of swift action."