NEW measures have been introduced to crackdown on drinking in one of Stroud's most popular parks. 

Signs have been placed in Bank Gardens warning people not to drink alcohol there. 

The signs are to enforce Stroud District Council’s Public Space Protection Orders to prevent antisocial behaviour - anyone caught breaking the rules could be issued with a hefty fine.

Stroud News and Journal: The signs have been placed in different locations within Bank Gardens and the town centre, however there is no change to the PSPO or the boundaries.The signs have been placed in different locations within Bank Gardens and the town centre, however there is no change to the PSPO or the boundaries.

New bolder signs have been placed in different locations within the park and the town centre, however there is no change to the PSPO or the boundaries.

Stroud Town Council requested that the district council replace the signage after the old ones fell into disrepair and were being ignored. 
Helen Bojaniwska, town clerk at Stroud Town Council, said: "The Town Council has asked SDC to replace the signs as they are getting a bit old and tatty."

Chris Brine, Stroud District Council chair of community services and licensing, said: “There has been no change to the Public Space Protection Order, and signs to this effect have always been in Stroud town centre.” 

The order limits certain acts or behaviours in a specific area. The order gives police greater discretionary powers to stop people drinking alcohol and confiscate it. 

A violation of a PSPO is a criminal offence that can result in a fixed penalty notice or prosecution.

The Stroud neighbourhood policing team announced last month that they were working to reduce anti-social behaviour, including street drinking and begging, in the town centre. 

The order is being enforced by Stroud police officers PCSO Iggy Patel and PC Josh Hurst. 

You can find more out about the PSPO and the Stroud town centre map boundaries by visiting: www.stroud.gov.uk/community-and-living