Homeless groups are concerned at cheap alcohol on offer

The police in Stoke-on-Trent say a ban on drinking in public would help to cut anti-social behaviour.

Groups working with the homeless in the city have expressed concern at the opening of bargain superstores selling cheap beer and an increase in drunks hanging around the city centre.

Some shops are selling cider for less than 40p a can and bottles of lager for less than 80p.

The city council will now considering whether or not to bring in laws banning the drinking of alcohol in the city centre and festival park.

'Trouble spots'

Inspector Bill James, from Staffordshire Police, said: "Bearing in mind the location of where individuals tend to hand around, it is bad enough for the good citizens of Stoke-on-Trent to have to put up with it day on day.

"Just imagine the impression it is creating on visitors to Stoke-on-Trent come into the bus station and that is the first thing they are met with."

Neil Moorland, from Potteries Housing, says the issue of cheap alcohol is one which needs attention.

He told BBC Radio Stoke: "This is one of the things we will be looking at in the research we are planning to do.

"We will be looking again at who is there, where the trouble spots are and who is causing this."