Godalming residents are being urged to voice their opinion on plans to take legal action to tackle anti-social behaviour in the town.

The proposal for a Public Space Protection Order has come from Waverley Borough Council and Surrey Police.

The order will ban the drinking of alcohol and drug-taking on public open land in the borough, as well as clamping down on foul language, rowdy behaviour and graffiti.

The consultation will run until Friday, April 2nd.

Councillor Anne-Marie Rosoman, who represents Godalming Central and Ockford on the borough council, said: "We are working with Surrey Police and other members of the Safer Waverley Partnership to address this anti-social behaviour by a small minority of people, which is adversely affecting the quality of life of the vast majority of the community.

"The Public Space Protection Order provides the tools for the police and the council to tackle these issues more quickly and effectively." The order will also ban bonfires and barbecues in parks and countryside across the borough unless permission has been sought in advance. The decision comes in the wake of a blaze on Thursley common last summer and a large number of people lighting fires at Frensham Common during the good weather. Cranleigh councillor Liz Townsend said: "We want people to enjoy our parks and open spaces but we have to ensure we protect them from the devastating environmental damage and risk of harm caused by bonfires and barbecues getting out of control. "It is not an absolute ban, but people will need to get prior permission and observe clear safety measures if they wish to have a bonfire or barbecue on our land." More details of the proposed order can be found on the Waverley website.

You can comment by email or by writing to ASB PSPO, Waverley Borough Council, The Burys, Godalming, Surrey GU7 1HR.