A STREET drinking ban launched one year ago this month has been hailed a success by the police, council and members of the community.

The Dursley alcohol free zone officially came into force in May 2010.

The drinking ban was widely supported by members of the community, with over 90 per cent of those questioned agreeing it would be a good idea, although there were some concerns as well.

Sgt Neil Gibbs, head of the Dursley Safer Community Team, said he thought the ban had been a great success.

"The number of complaints we receive connected with drinking that occur in the town centre has significantly reduced, it has almost disappeared," he said.

"The large gangs of youths drinking in the church yard has stopped and alcohol related anti-social behaviour has gone down."

It is not an criminal offence to drink alcohol in public, however the enforcement gives police a new power to seize alcohol from people in public places when they deem it necessary. If the drinker refuses to hand over the alcohol they could then be committing an offence.

However Sgt Gibbs said they have not had to prosecute anyone.

"People have complied with the restrictions without any fuss, we have had no problems implementing it."

He added: "We said right at the beginning that these were discretionary powers and we would not be penalising people having a quiet picnic on the Rec with some wine. This has been the case, we have used common sense to enforce the drinking ban and it has been applied sensitively."

Mayor of Dursley Jane Ball, who with the town council applied for the drinking ban, said she was pleased the alcohol free zone had worked so well.

"I certainly think it has been a success and I am pleased the police have noticed the difference.

"It is another tool in their armour for tackling anti-social behvaiour and I have noticed a decrease in the amount of reports about youths drinking."

Local resident and mother-of-two Nicola Naylor said: "The signs have made it clear to everyone that street drinking won't be tolerated in and around Dursley.

"It feels like it's making a difference but time will tell, the community needs to support it as well as the police enforcing the ban. Let's hope it continues."