PUBLIC feedback is being evaluated over plans to introduce an alcohol ban in a drink-plagued town centre.

More than 800 shoppers and traders have called for the ban to try to force street drinkers out of Tunstall.

It followed reports that police had been called to 43 drink-related incidents in Tunstall in two-and-a-half months last year.

The proposed booze-ban zone takes in the town centre, nearby terrace streets, Tunstall Park and the Bankeyfields estate.

Now Stoke-on-Trent City Council is collating residents' views before the plan is discussed by councillors.

An Alcohol Restriction Zone (ARZ) gives police the power to confiscate alcohol and arrest people who refuse to stop drinking in public places within the zone.

Tony Oakman, city council director of adult and neighbourhood services, said: "This isn't about making drinking a criminal offence in Tunstall.

"It is about giving the police the power to act if they feel a problem is being caused by people drinking in a public place.

"The consultation gave people the chance to tell us if they think the conditions and the areas the zones will cover are appropriate."

A decision on the ARZ will be made by the council's licensing and general purpose committee.