A public drinking ban will be in place for more than a dozen roads including a park from next week.

The area covered by a Watford Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) to stop boozing in public spaces will be increased when it is renewed next Wednesday (December 27), after a successful public consultation.

Currently, the PSPO means you cannot drink alcohol in any public spaces in an area from Watford Junction to Vicarage Road Stadium/Watford High Street Station (north to south) and Cassiobury Park to the River Colne (west to east).

Once renewed, it will also include Watford Fields as well as Wiggenhall Road, Watford Field Road, Ladys Close, part of Lower High Street, and other smaller roads between these and Century Retail Park.

Watford mayor Peter Taylor said: “Thanks to all of the residents who took part in the public consultation.

“It's really important that we hear from local people when we are considering new rules that affect our town.”

Watford Observer: Watford Fields.Watford Fields. (Image: Google Street View)

In place 24 hours a day, it makes failing to stop drinking and/or failing to surrender any container of alcohol, when asked by an accredited officer including police and PCSOs, an offence in public spaces within the area.

Refusing could lead to a notice for disorder or court summons and a maximum £500 fine.

Watford’s other PSPO, preventing non-commercial vehicles using Albert Road South, between Sainsbury’s and Pryzm, at certain times was also part of the consultation. It primarily relates to pick-up and drop-off after nights out in the town centre.

Watford Observer: Existing and forthcoming PSPO areas.Existing and forthcoming PSPO areas. (Image: Watford Borough Council)

It will be renewed and varied to allow the traffic on Monday evenings and instead implement the PSPO from 9pm to 4am on Friday and Saturday, as well as on Sunday evenings preceding a bank holiday between 9pm and 4.40am.

“These new measures will help to ensure that residents and visitors can continue to feel safe because antisocial behaviour is taken seriously in Watford,” the mayor added.

PSPOs are in force for up to three years, after which they can be renewed and/or varied.