Police already have the power to confiscate alcohol in the town centre

West Mercia Police are joining forces with off licences and pubs after a rise in the number of complaints about under 18s drinking alcohol in Bewdley.

The town centre was made an alcohol-free zone at the beginning of July, giving police the power to confiscate open bottles and cans of alcohol within the designated zone.

The police say they will continue to crack down on open-air, as well as underage, drinking over the summer.

They also hope that the new partnership will prevent many young people getting their hands on the alcohol in the first place.

The managers of many of the town's pubs and off licences say they share the police's concerns, and will be working with the force to deal with the issue.