Views are being sought on controversial plans to ban street-drinking in a large part of central Eastbourne.

Council bosses want to gauge public support for the ban, which would run from Eastbourne seafront, through the town centre and into Old Town.

Public consultation on the plans drawn up by Eastbourne Borough Council runs until February 22.

If the ban goes ahead, it could come into force by the summer.

It would give police extended powers, including the right to ask people to stop drinking in designated areas.

If they refuse police will be able to remove opened bottles or cans containing alcohol under the Criminal Justice and Police Act 2001.

Tory councillor Sheila Charlton, chairman of the town centre action group, said: "This will give residents an opportunity to express how they view a ban on street-drinking."

Some rank-and-file officers have voiced concern about how the proposed new ban will be implemented.

They say it could simply disperse drinkers to other areas where they may continue to be a nuisance.

A detailed map of the proposed drinking-ban area is on display at the council's offices at 68 Grove Road.

It includes a list of streets that will be covered by the ban and forms for people wanting to air their views.