POLICE in Middlewich will have the power to confiscate alcohol from people drinking on the streets by the beginning of next month.

Although the final date is to be confirmed, a total of 43 streets will form two no-drinking zones in the town, enabling police to confiscate, fine and even arrest individuals caught breaching the restrictions.

Although the scheme is running four months behind schedule Tony Potts, community safety manager for Congleton Borough Council, is confident that it will be in place by the beginning of May.

He said: "There have been a few hold ups, one being that we under estimated how long it would take the company to make the signs.

"But the signs are being made as we speak and should be ready to go up in the next couple of weeks."

He added: "Once the signs are in place it should enhance the work we have already done. At the moment if you're under age the police can confiscate alcohol but there is nothing to stop them taking it from anyone over 18.

"Once these signs are in place drinkers can be issued with an £80 fine or arrested if they refuse to cooperate."