Four people are now banned from public drinking in the town

The orders were granted at the town's Sheriff Court and were taken out by the police through the local authority.

It follows a number of complaints from shopkeepers and members of the public, particularly on the Whitesands.

The orders ban four individuals from drinking in the streets and from going to certain parts of the town.

Ch Insp Michael Collins said he hoped the message would get across that anti-social behaviour in the town would not be tolerated.

I think it shows that Dumfries and Galloway very much leads the way when it comes to anti-social behaviour legislation Ch Insp Michael Collins

"The Asbos are against four individuals concerned who we thought were four of the worst problem makers," he said.

"It effectively bans those four people from publicly drinking anywhere in Dumfries.

"It also bans them effectively from the Whitesands, Dock Park and Mill Green areas."

Police have previously introduced exclusion zones in areas where there have been problems with groups gathering.

Individuals targeted

It is this first time, however, that they have targeted individual troublemakers in this way.

"I am hoping this does set an example to others because there are other people but these are the four worst offenders," said Ch Insp Collins.

"It is the first time such an Asbo has been issued in this region and in Scotland.

Hopefully this action will set an example to other people who drink on the street and cause trouble in Dumfries Russell Brown MP

"I think it shows that Dumfries and Galloway very much leads the way when it comes to anti-social behaviour legislation."

The move has been welcomed by Dumfries Labour MSP Dr Elaine Murray and Dumfries and Galloway Labour MP Russell Brown.

"We receive many complaints about people drinking in the street and causing a menace, particularly on the Whitesands," Dr Murray said.

"So it's great that action is being taken against the worst trouble makers."

"Hopefully this action will set an example to other people who drink on the street and cause trouble in Dumfries," added Mr Brown.

"They are a menace and are often responsible for a considerable amount of littering in the town."