Park gets booze ban

New police powers have been brought in to fine people caught drinking alcohol in a Rugeley park. Gangs of up to 30 yobs have been congregating.

Residents have been plagued by drink-fuelled, anti-social behaviour from gangs of youths at Ravenhill Park in Brereton, which lasts until the early hours of the morning.

But an order was drawn up and approved by Cannock Chase Council in conjunction with Staffordshire Police to restrict anti-social public drinking in the park.

Under the proposals, people caught drinking in the park, off the A51, could be fined £50 or end up in court facing fines of up to £500 if they refuse to stop when confronted by police.

Councillor Ray Easton, who represents Brereton and Ravenhill ward, hailed the move as the first step towards people reclaiming their park from yobs.

He told the full council, which approved the move,: "The people of Brereton and Ravenhill want their park back. They are absolutely fed-up of it being an outside bar and that is what it has been for the last few years.

"We don't just get one drinker, we will get 30 drinkers and at night they are totally intimidating."