Streets booze ban to tackle yob behaviour

The order will be in force for the big switch on of Bishop's Castle's Christmas lights this weekend and has been prompted by complaints from traders, particularly during the annual Michaelmas Fair.

Robert Gwyther, who runs H Gwyther & Sons shoe shop in Church Street, had been considering boarding up his windows on Saturday. He was forced to fork out thousands to repair broken windows caused by yobs during the summer Michaelmas event.

Mr Gwyther, whose family has traded in Bishop's Castle for more than 60 years, urged the town council and the police to act and said today he was pleased with the decision.

He said the summer damage was the eighth window he had seen broken in recent times and added: "It's a good start certainly.

"I hope it bears fruit with the festival this weekend – we're not boarding our windows up for this, but we did consider it, although it tends to be worse with the festivals in the summer when people spend all afternoon drinking out in the street.

"This seems to be a step in the right direction. I expect the police will be pleased to see it more disciplined too."

Bishop's Castle and Clun Valley Pubwatch – a crime-preventing network of pub owners and managers – met this week with police to discuss the problems.

Officers had previously urged licensees in the town to become more self-policing and take responsibility in dealing with the problems themselves.

Pubwatch chairman Darren Price, of the Boar's Head Hotel in Church Street, said: "We need the residents and visitors of Bishop's Castle to know that we are no longer allowed to let our customers drink on our streets when taking part in our festivals.

"This means that any alcohol must not be taken outside of our establishments, and that the public may not move from pub to pub with alcohol in their hand."