New signs have been put up in Lowestoft and Oulton Broad highlighting areas where anti-social behaviour linked to public drinking is being targeted.

Designated Public Place Orders (DPPOs), which were already in place in parts of Lowestoft and Oulton Broad, have now been replaced by new Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs).

Introduced under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, PSPOs form part of a wider package of anti-social behaviour powers which are designed to deal with a particular nuisance in a specific area.

The signs have been put up on street lamps and CCTV poles throughout the Harbour and Kirkley wards, as well as in Oulton Broad near to Nicholas Everitt Park.

The newly introduced PSPOs allow the police to stop a person from drinking alcohol in designated areas if their behaviour is deemed to be anti-social. The police also have the power to take possession of the drink if required.

Failure to stop drinking or surrender the alcohol when asked is an offence, with a potential fine of up to £1,000. Alternatively, the police may issue a £80 Fixed Penalty Notice.

Mary Rudd, Waveney's cabinet member for community health and safety said: 'Anti-social behaviour can be detrimental to those living nearby and can affect the quality of life within a community. These PSPOs are designed to reduce anti-social behaviour associated with drinking and ensure that action can be taken against anyone causing a nuisance in this way.'

New signage is in place to remind people that while public drinking is not prohibited, steps can be taken by the police if anti-social behaviour occurs as a result of drinking.

Anti-social behaviour, which can include drunkenness, substance misuse, vehicle crime, vandalism and verbal abuse, can have a negative effect on other people and also may lead to more serious criminal activity.

Anti-social behaviour can be reported online at www.eastsuffolk.gov.uk/community or by contacting Suffolk Police by calling 101. You can also speak to your local Safer Neighbourhood Team or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, where you do not have to give your name and address and calls are free.