DRINKERS are being reminded that Biggleswade remains an alcohol free zone. Police fear that with summer approaching people will forget that it is an offence to consume alcohol on the streets, even on the pavement outside a pub. It was the police, with the

DRINKERS are being reminded that Biggleswade remains an alcohol free zone.

Police fear that with summer approaching people will forget that it is an offence to consume alcohol on the streets, even on the pavement outside a pub.

It was the police, with the support of the town council, who applied to the courts for a by-law to ban the consumption of alcohol on Biggleswade's streets last year.

The decision was made after police became alarmed at the rising amount of drunkenness on the streets, mostly by youngsters who had bought cans of beer or even bottles of spirits from supermarkets and off-licences.

Before the ban there was also concern over the number of under-age drinkers on the streets.

A campaign to tighten up the sale of alcohol to young people, urging traders to always ask for proof of age, has worked well but police are determined to remain tough on drinking alcohol on the town's streets.

Since the booze ban came into force, 22 people have been issued with warnings. Three stupidly ignored the warnings and were given on the spot fines of £50.

Those under the legal drinking age had alcohol confiscated and were also issued with warnings that were sent to their parents.

"People don't drink alcohol on the streets during the winter, only in the summer months when the nights are warmer," said Biggleswade beat officer Pc Ian Wilson.

"This is why we want to remind people that Biggleswade remains an alcohol free zone on the streets and that means anywhere in the town.

"Summer is around the corner and people will want to go out for a drink in bars. That's fine but we are warning people not to loiter on pavements outside pubs because if they do they will be breaking the law.

"We will be patrolling the known haunts youngsters use to drink alcohol illegally.

"Hopefully people will respect the no alcohol on the streets law and if they don't it might be an expensive night out if they are caught drinking a second time. And if they go to court it could mean a heavier fine than the £50 fixed penalty.