POLICE are set to be given new powers to tackle anti-social street drinkers.
Officers will be able to order people to leave the High Street area of Walthamstow for up to 48 hours when a dispersal order is granted in two weeks time.
Anyone over the age of 10 who is behaving in an anti-social way can fined up to £2,500 if they breach the order.
Sergeant Phil Steedman, from the High Street Safer Neighbourhoods Team, said: "We have a lot of calls in relation to street drinkers.
“We have had alcohol restrictions in place for over a year so we could take away people's alcohol, but we didn't have the powers to disperse them.
"There are a number of pubs on our ward and the order can also be used when people spill onto the streets after closing time.
"We also have reports of people, especially homeless people urinating and defecating the streets.
"We aim to improve the quality of life of residents through by being able to use this."
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