A CRACKDOWN on street drinkers in Clacton town centre got underway today.

Council wardens and the police joined forces to move on groups of drinkers after a rise in complaints.

A group of up to 12 men and women had been outside the Travelodge in Jackson Road from early this morning.

Clacton and Frinton Gazette:

  • The group starts to move off as enforcers move in

A police officer and council worker moved in at 10.45am and confiscated booze from the group.

They poured the alcohol down a grate before moving the group on.

Speaking earlier this week, council enforcement boss Carlo Guglielmi said they took the matter "extremely seriously".

Clacton and Frinton Gazette:

  • A council street warden pours lager down the drain

“Council enforcement officers carry out regular patrols in Clacton town centre but they do have the whole district and other issues to attend to as well,” he said.

“However, we have taken notice of what the community says and the officers will be upping the number of patrols from Friday and for a number of days in a bid to increase presence on the streets.

“This will be done - in conjunction with police officers – and using their powers to deal with the drinkers. When we find people drinking and taking part in anti-social behaviour I will be looking for fines to be issued and followed up if they are not paid.”

Clacton and Frinton Gazette:

  • More strong booze ends up down a grate

Earlier this year public spaces protection orders were introduced in Clacton to deal with anti-social behaviour.

It gave the police and council staff powers to issue fixed penalty notices to persistent offenders in more than 35 streets covered by the orders.

Enforcement officers were also out in the town centre last weekend and encountered a number of street drinkers.

The council said some were aggressive towards its staff.

Clacton and Frinton Gazette:

  • The crackdown was launched this morning and will last several days

Some members of the public were also abusive to the enforcement officers as they carried out their duties.

Incidents can be reported on the anti-social behaviour hotline on 01255 686359.

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