DORCHESTER residents are being urged to have their say on an order aimed at tackling anti-social behaviour and alcohol consumption in the town.

West Dorset District Council is currently running a 12-week public consultation on a proposed Public Space Protection Order (PSPO).

The proposed area for Dorchester that would be covered by the order is around the town centre and includes the Borough Gardens, Maumbury Rings, Salisbury Fields and the Walks.

The order, which would extend an existing Designated Public Protection Order, makes it an offence for anyone who fails to comply with a request from a uniformed police officer or police community support officer to stop drinking alcohol or to handover any container of alcohol within the designated area.

The maximum penalty for breaching the order is currently £500.

As well as the order for Dorchester, the district council is also considering a similar one for Bridport as well as orders concerning the feeding of gulls in Lyme Regis and West Bay and on new restrictions relating to dog control across the district.

This PSPO will replace the current Dog Control Orders in the district.

Cllr Alan Thacker, West Dorset District Council’s Executive Portfolio Holder for Community Safety and Access, said: "These consultations are a great opportunity for West Dorset residents and visitors to have their say on the best way forward for PSPOs in the area.

"It’s important for as many people as possible to take part in these two consultations as the responses will help councillors make more informed decisions."

The consultation period runs until Wednesday, March 15.

Following the public’s feedback the results will be published online and a report will be considered by the council’s overview and scrutiny committee.

The committee will then make a recommendation to the district council's executive committee, which is expected to be considered midway through the year.

For more information and to have your say on the dog-related PSPOs visit dorsetforyou.com/west/your-say-dogs or to have your say on PSPOs in relation to anti-social behaviour visit dorsetforyou.com/west/your-say/asb