Street drinking will be banned in Eastbourne town centre after residents gave the plan their overwhelming support.

Councillors voted unanimously yesterday to enforce an order banning drinking in public in central parts of Eastbourne, including the beach.

Council leader Graham Marsden said 1,000 letters had been sent to residents living in central Eastbourne asking for their views.

Of the 198 who replied, 187 (94 per cent) said they supported the ban.

Coun Marsden said: "I'm delighted at the very positive response by residents to the council's proposal to introduce a street drinking ban.

"The minority of people who behave in an antisocial manner should be challenged."

Police will be given powers to confiscate alcohol from those who refuse to comply with the order.

Coun Barry Taylor said: "Let's hope this will give police the opportunity to nip this in the bud by making sure they start early in the morning and alcohol is taken away to stop this dreadful anti-social behaviour from a minority."

The minority of residents who objected to the plan said police would not have the resources to enforce it and the problem could be pushed to outlying parts of the town.

A police spokesman said: "This legislation gives us the power to be able to act effectively when we receive reports of antisocial behaviour or nuisance involving people who choose to get drunk on the streets of Eastbourne."