A hidden spy camera has been set up at Pelsall Common to catch under-age drinkers in the act and gather evidence for a booze ban in the area.

The Pelsall, High Heath and Shelfield Neighbourhood Watch want to make the land an alcohol-free zone and rid it of dumped beer cans.

Villagers have already been given diaries to monitor drinkers on the open space in a bid to persuade police to support a booze ban.

Now a camera has also been put in place to capture youths who are accused of leaving up to 50 bottles and cans there a night.

Pelsall councillor Garry Perry said: “We have been working with the anti-social behaviour unit at Walsall Council and the common has been identified as a hotspot.

“The camera is in place and will allow us to either catch those responsible or gain evidence of what is going on. I must stress the village remains a low crime area but anti-social behaviour remains a concern.”

For the common to become a designated no-alcohol zone police need to make a recommendation to Walsall Council’s Licensing Committee.

However, officers have so far insisted there is not enough evidence to support such action yet.