Action is being taken against “selfish louts” who are causing a nuisance in Whitehaven town centre.

Police have dealt with six people breaking a law that was put in place to stop trouble-makers drinking on the streets.

A public space protection order was introduced in 2019, which made it illegal to drink alcohol in a number of public areas in Copeland.

PCSOs have taken the details of those who were breaching the order, by drinking in St Nicholas’ Gardens.

Their details have been passed on to Copeland Council and they now face being fined up to £100.

Gangs of drinkers have caused uproar with their behaviour in the church gardens over recent years.

Gerard Richardson MBE, whose shop looks out on St Nicholas’ Gardens, has praised police for tackling the problem.

He said: “It’s an ongoing issue for the town. To be fair, the police have been right on the ball since the enforcement orders were brought back up to date a couple of years ago.

“Sadly, drink and drugs are a big problem for society as a whole.

“While some people need help and will accept it, too many others have chosen a dysfunctional lifestyle and don’t care about the effects they have on others.

“Ultimately it comes down to designating specific areas of the town as almost protected spaces, where these folk are not allowed to impose their selfish, dysfunctional lives on others and thankfully St Nicholas’ Gardens is one of them.”

Mr Richardson is urging people to report any breaches of the order to the police.

“Unfortunately some of the more problematic visitors will keep testing the rules, especially when the sun is out and it’s down to the rest of us to support the police by letting them know when we see unacceptable behaviour.

“The police can be called or emailed via 101 for non emergencies but if anyone feels threatened by these idiots, they should call 999.

“As with other aspects of life, a very small number of selfish louts have a disproportionate impact on the work of the emergency services but the clue is in the word ‘selfish’ so it’s unlikely to change any time soon.”

Copeland police thanked members of the public who brought the issue to their attention.