STREET drinking could be banned in Pill as part of an order to stop groups of people drug dealing, urinating in streets, and behaving violently in the area, according to a council report.

Newport council's street scene, regeneration and safety scrutiny committee is considering the introduction of a public space protection order for the area.

With support from Pill councillors, the police have asked Newport council to consider implementing the order in a bid to combat an increase in violence-related crime.

Drinking in the street would be banned under the order, which would also allow officers to seize alcohol, while it would also ban groups congregating in the street or public place for the purpose of drinking alcohol, using intimidating or threatening behaviour towards members of the public, possessing and using drugs, or committing a nuisance.

Evidence is to be presented in a report by PC Paula Spence who said Pill is currently experiencing 'inordinate increases' in violence-related crime, and has 'an increasing drugs problem'.

Groups of people gather around Pill in various locations which can consist from two to 20 people between 17-years-old and 40-years-old, her report adds.

They are said to be street drinking, using drugs, dealing drugs and behaving in an anti-social way to the 'detriment of local businesses and residents;.

Gwent Police received 50 calls in August alone in relation to these issues, she adds.

She said: "Their prolific and intoxicated behaviour, presents extremely intimidating, threatening and alarming conduct, from as early as 8am until the early hours of the morning, sometimes through into the following day. The relentless swearing, shouting of insults and abuse within the groups and within the hearing and presence of other persons in the immediate vicinity, causes significant fear and distress."

Drug-taking, violence, shining laser-pens at cars, intimidation, urinating in doorways. Just some of the issues police deal with every day in Pill - read the police log which shows just some of the incidents reported over the past few months

PC Spence states members of the group have also thrown fireworks, stones, eggs and aerosols at people and cars; caused damage and graffiti to buildings and property, and made false 999 calls.

She said the community feel 'intimidated and terrorised' by these people who also leave litter including syringes.

The officer also said some of the men from the group openly urinate on the street, causing a 'vile stench'.

The main areas affected by the group are said to be Williams Close, Francis Drive and its underpass, the basketball courts, Commercial Road, Prince’s Gate, and Potter Street.

The area is part of the Pill Regeneration Scheme which Newport City Homes have invested money towards enhancing the living experiences of residents.

Newport City Homes’ executive director of operations Robert Lynbeck said: “Our regeneration project is a major opportunity for the city and people of Pillgwenlly. Residents were consulted on the regeneration proposals to make sure we provided a new layout that works, and their views were fed into the design.

"Our regeneration work will help address the issue of anti-social behaviour in Pill.”

The committee will discuss the report on Thursday, with a public consultation expected to take place in December.