POLICE will have greater powers in the New Year to combat the problems of drinking and anti-social behaviour on the streets of Devizes.

On Tuesday, Kennet district councillors unanimously approved a new order under the Criminal Justice and Police Act 2001 and the Licensing Act 2003.

The order will supersede town council and district council bylaws that have been in force since 1995 and 1996.

It will give police powers to confiscate alcohol being consumed by people making a public nuisance of themselves. They will also be able to seize unopened cans or bottles.

But some councillors feel the new proposals are too draconian. Coun Rosemary Cummins said: "I am very worried about this. How will the police enforce this? What constitutes bad behaviour? There seems to be more and more control being brought into our lives and it is coming from central Government."

Coun Margaret Taylor said many people in Devizes warmly welcomed more action against anti-social behaviour.

She said: "Mrs Cummins is very fortunate in living in a nice rural setting and doesn't have to go about her business with people drinking, urinating and doing other unpleasant things in public.

"Most of the complaints we have received are that the police are not doing enough to stop this. This order will make it much easier for them to implement.

"Before, people had to be rolling drunk. Now the police can use their discretion to apprehend anyone who is drinking and making a nuisance of themselves."

Council solicitor Maria Memoli said the order had been advertised and not a single representation objecting to the order had been received, although some people had asked for the area included in the ban to be extended.

Licensed premises and the land around them are exempt from the order, as are places where an occasional licence is in force.