Drinking alcohol on the streets of Worthing town centre is being outlawed from today.

Worthing Borough Council, backed by the police, has introduced new bylaws to stop antisocial drinking.

Police now have powers to stop people drinking in public places if they are causing a nuisance.

Officers will be allowed to confiscate cans and bottles of alcohol.

The laws have been introduced to cover specific areas, in response to residents concerns over people drinking heavily in the streets.

Town centre team sergeant Pete Darkin said: "We have been working towards getting this power for some time.

"In other areas of the country where it is already in place, they have seen a big reduction in serious assaults and accidental injuries involving glass.

"The aim is to encourage co-operation from the public.

"Those I have spoken to over recent weeks have expressed their full support and admitted they hadn't thought of the consequences of leaving glass on the street".

Bars and restaurants in the area will be unaffected.

Pub/Clubwatch are sponsoring special bins and police officers from Worthing's town centre team will be out and about over the next few weeks to encourage their use.

The streets will be cleaned during the night in a bid to reduce the risk of partygoers being cut by broken glass on the roads and pavements.