DRINKERS blighting Basildon town centre could face fines or arrest under tough new measures to cut antisocial behaviour.

Basildon Council is to bring in powers to curb troublesome drinkers accused of intimidating other people and causing nuisance in the town.

Problem areas have been identified in St Martin’s Square, and also nearby in the Towngate Theatre and library.

Some drinkers have even burst into the Basildon Centre, just off St Martin’s Square, and threatened council staff.

Frank Tomlin, Basildon councillor responsible for community safety, said: “For me, this is a priority.

“It is totally unacceptable the heart of our town should be blighted by this sort of problem.

“A designated public place order will restrict public drinking in the town centre and I am confident this will go some way to dealing with this problem.”

The orders do not mean a total ban on alcohol, but are intended to clampdown specifically on drunks being a nuisance in a public place.

The law is only broken if someone refuses to comply with a request from a police officer to stop drinking, or surrender alcohol, which can result in a fine or arrest.

Labour councillor Pat Rackley sais she had been harassed by drunks near Marks & Spencer.

She said: “I was walking along minding my own business when these three men in their twenties, who were totally smashed, asked me for money.

“I said, ‘no’ and one of them replied ‘why?’ which was quite worrying. Fortunately, I was able to carry on walking. A similar thing happened to our Labour group leader Lynda Gordon.”

Acting Chief Insp Scott Cannon, acting Basildon district commander, said: “We are aware of a problem in that area of people congregating and drinking, and have been patrolling the area regularly.

“Along with the council, police are looking at implementing measures that will give police more options to deal with this issue effectively. If we see anyone causing upset or distress to shoppers or residents, they will be dealt with robustly.”