Plans have been drawn up by Aylesbury Vale District Council to bring in two new Designated Public Place Orders (DPPOs) to cover the whole of Winslow and Steeple Claydon.

The DPPOs give police officers and PCSOs the authority to ask people to stop drinking alcohol if they believe it is creating a disorder. Anyone who refuses can be arrested and faces a fine of up to £500 – as well as the alcohol being taken away and disposed of.

These powers could not be used on private property or seating areas outside pubs which have permission for people to drink alcohol bought on the premises.

Plans to introduce the orders in Winslow and Steeple Claydon are in response to concerns raised from the police regarding problems of harassment and nuisance due to drinking in public places.

AVDC recently introduced 23 DPPOs across Aylesbury following consultation with the police, local residents, licensees and landowners.

Councillor Judy Brandis, Chairman of the AVDC Licensing Committee, said: "This is a very positive and constructive move towards reducing crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour in the areas involved. It's not about stopping law-abiding people enjoying a quiet drink, but if police officers and PCSOs believe that someone drinking in public is creating disorder, they can take action. We want to reassure residents that the council is listening and is committed to tackling anti-social behaviour in order to make communities across Aylesbury Vale safer places to live."

Police Commander for Aylesbury Vale Local Police Area, Superintendent Richard Auger, said: "Aylesbury Vale continues to experience low levels of crime and anti-social behaviour and has a very successful record of bringing offenders to justice. I see the alcohol control zones as just another 'tool in our tool-bag' to make life difficult for the minority of individuals who wish to cause problems within our communities. This will have a zero effect on the law abiding people of the Vale and it is on their behalf that we are pursuing these tactics."

Residents and businesses are being invited to let the council know whether they support the proposed orders. The consultation exercise will run from 27 August to 24 September.

Maps of the proposed alcohol control zones will be available on the website and the council's offices during the consultation period.

Residents can respond to the consultation by emailing dppo@aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk or by writing to David Smedley, Head of Environment Services, 66 High Street, Aylesbury, HP20 1SD.