Laura Thompson worked with police to secure the ban

Laura Thompson, a community safety officer for Coventry City Council, has been given a Blue Lamp Award for helping police to reduce crime.

Ms Thompson helped to get the ban in the south west area of the city after problems with people drinking in the street and anti-social behaviour.

It is the first alcohol ban outside Coventry city centre since the area became one of the first public alcohol-free zones in the late 1980s.

Nuisance behaviour

More than 30 signs have been installed in the new alcohol-free area, which includes Jardine Crescent, Faseman Avenue and Job's Lane, warning people about the ban.

Those who do not comply with the new law, which came into effect on 1 May, face arrest and prosecution which could result in a fine of up to �500.

"The area has historically had a problem with people drinking in the streets which had been compounded by youths copying this and getting involved with nuisance behaviour," said Ms Thompson.

"But the ban was not something we could just impose, area co-ordination and the police worked with other agencies, residents and traders to make it happen."

West Midlands Police Chief Superintendent Jim McGinty, who presented Laura with the Blue Lamp Award, said the alcohol consumption ban was proving such a success that other parts of the city could follow suit.