PEOPLE drinking alcohol in key areas in Minehead are set to face tougher controls.

Following a plea by police, West Somerset Council has agreed to expand the number of 'public place designation orders' to include the highway and pavements in The Avenue, The Parade and Wellington Square, as well as the vicinity of the shops in Alcombe - from the junction with Elm Grove to the junction with Marshfield Road.

Councillors have also designated an area of Minehead's beach, above the low water mark from the harbour eastwards to the groyne in front of Butlins.

West Somerset community safety officer Peter Hughes told a meeting of the full council last week that the police had not specifically requested the designation for the beach area.

But he said the fear was that any problems involving alcohol consumption or anti-social behaviour in the requested areas could be transferred to the beach.

Alcohol would not be banned in the designated zones but police would have the power to ask people to stop drinking and, if necessary, surrender their alcohol.

"It is perfectly lawful for people to consume alcohol in these areas providing their behaviour is not deemed to be anti-social or disorderly," said Mr Hughes.

Designated zones already exist in other parts of Minehead, as well as in Williton and Watchet.

Cllr Doug Ross, who represents the Minehead North ward, welcomed the move.

"Blenheim Gardens has been transformed since it was designated," he said.

"I used to get regular complaints from people but I haven't had any for ages."

And Cllr Richard Lillis, a volunteer monitor of Minehead's CCTV system, said he wholeheartedly supported the new designations.

"So often we see people in these areas with cans in their hands and so often it all ends in tears, which ends up involving police time and energy.

"It is for the benefit of the public because there is nothing worse than rowdy groups drinking and lurching up the high street with families around."

Cllr Mandy Chilcott said the current areas, which include the Irnham Road recreation ground, seemed to be very successful.

"I think it's great for the town - it doesn't mean the public can never drink there.

"It's all about sensible drinking - it's not a total ban," she said.

Before the designations come into force, public consultation will take place and signs will be put up in the areas