DRINKERS are being warned they will be fined if they continue to breach an alcohol ban in Evesham’s Workman Gardens after recent crackdowns.

In the last three months police and officers from Wychavon District Council have issued ten Fixed Penalty Notices, totalling £1,000, to people flouting the rules regarding the drinking of alcohol in the area.

Wychavon introduced a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) in April 2015 which banned drinking in Workman Gardens due to anti-social behaviour in the area.

The order also required anyone caught doing so to give up any alcohol in their possession to a police or authorised council officer.

Advice was initially offered to those caught breaking the ban in a bid to educate people and raise awareness.

However, following an increase in drinking and anti-social behaviour in the gardens in recent months police and Wychavon have stepped up patrols and their enforcement activity.

Wychavon is also considering the introduction of a similar PSPO to cover all parks in Evesham to ensure the same rules apply. There will be a full consultation process in the New Year.

Cllr Gerry O’Donnell, portfolio holder with responsibility for community safety on Wychavon District Council, said: “I hope this sends a very clear message to those who continue to flout the alcohol ban in Workman Gardens that this kind of behaviour will not be tolerated and we will continue to work with the police to rigorously enforce the order.

"We will also not hesitate to introduce similar bans in our other parks if there is public concern to warrant it.”