Traders are calling for tough new laws to ban drinking in public in Worthing town centre.

A town centre meeting last night voted overwhelmingly for a new bylaw to be introduced aimed at cutting the number of drunks on the streets.

The Worthing Town Initiative is now calling on the borough council and Sussex Police for a bylaw banning drinking of alcohol in places such as Steyne Gardens and Liverpool Gardens.

Initiative chairman Chris Spratt said: "The idea of a bylaw was put to the vote and there was a great deal of support for it.

"At the initiative we are tired of seeing people lying drunk around the town centre and leaving their cans and bottles behind for other people to clear up.

"It creates a very bad image for visitors to Worthing and it is important that something is done about it as soon as possible.

"Obviously we are not asking things to be taken to extremes, such as not letting people sit outside a pub, restaurant and cafe or have a drink.

"We are asking for a new law that will stop the sight of people lying in the streets or disturbing passers-by while completely drunk."

The council and the initiative are now investigating the idea and plan to speak to police.

A police spokesman said: "We are supportive of the council carrying out further research into the issue.

"If the bylaw was put into place it would be a further power for us to use in the town, although at the moment we feel that significant other powers are available.

"The issue of displacement of street drinkers from the town centre to other parts of the town if a bylaw was introduced would have to be closely considered."

Last night's meeting was the second organised by the council and chaired by Coun Andrew Garrett.

Its aim was to give residents and businesses the chance to air their concerns about the town centre and what could be done to improve it.

Other issues raised included concerns about the level of policing, the number of beggars and litter.