PLANS to bring in an order to put a stop to anti-social behaviour in Lye town centre have been approved and offenders now face a fine of up to £1,000.

Dudley Council launched a consultation earlier this year to seek feedback on a proposal to introduce a public space protection order (PSPO) in the town and 98 per cent of people who responded to the survey were in favour.

Shoppers and traders have long called for action to tackle problems with anti-social behaviour in the High Street and the order has now come into force, the council has confirmed today (July 29).

The order, which will give the local authority and police enhanced powers to restrict unreasonable and disruptive behaviour, bans consumption of alcohol and intoxicating substances.

It also prohibits groups and individuals from causing nuisance, alarm, harassment or distress to others in the town and surrounding area as well as urinating or defecating in a public space.

Streets covered include High Street, the By-Pass, Jackson Street, Clinic Drive, Chapel Street, Church Road, Union Street, Cross Walks Road, Talbot Street and Clay croft Place.

The order will be live for three years and will be reviewed on an annual basis.

Anyone found to be in breach of it faces a fixed penalty notice of £100 or a maximum fine of £1,000.

Councillor Laura Taylor, Dudley Council's cabinet member responsible for community safety, said there had been "an overwhelmingly positive response in favour" of the order in Lye and she added:“We have worked closely with our colleagues in the police to make this happen.

“This order gives us enhanced powers to crack down on the few thoughtless people who disrupt our communities. We can and will take action against those who fail to acknowledge the order.”

Kim Madill, chief superintendent for Dudley Police, said police would be able to use powers within the PSPO to drive down anti-social behaviour and criminal acts and she added: “The swift intervention through the issuing of a fine can prevent escalation of the behaviour or even act as a deterrent in the first place to those intent on causing concerns to local residents and businesses.

“We know the issues covered in the orders are of concern to local communities and these additional powers complement other legislation we use as well as the joint working we have with partners to ensuring Dudley and Lye remain a safe place to live, work and visit.”