Smashed bottles and discarded drink cans have resulted in benches in the special garden in the grounds of St Peter’s Church being removed until the Designated Public Places Order comes into force.

The order isn’t a total street drinking ban but would give police more power to stop drinkers if they suspect anti-social behaviour.

Canon Wim Zwalf, vicar of St Peter’s, said it is a shame people can’t now sit in the garden as it was originally intended but said: “It was designed as a garden for the blind and not for the blind drunk.”

He said the seats were removed by and at the request of the cleaning operatives who work on behalf of Fenland Council.

“The Fenland Council cleaning operatives decided they wanted to remove them because they were having to collect up every morning several sackfuls of bottles, cans and broken glass.

“Every morning they were having to take the benches out and sweep up and by removing them for a while it will stop people intent on anti-social behaviour, smashing bottles and disturbing people who are walking through the gardens,” said Rev Zwalf, adding: “It is a shame we don’t have more police and PSCOs to remove the people.”

“We are waiting for this anti-drink order to come in where people can be moved on.”

Rev Zwalf said groups of up to 19 people have been congregating in the garden for the blind “standing and drinking, shouting and breaking bottles”.

“A weekend ago on a Sunday some people were so drunk they couldn’t stand up. They were falling all over the place. We don’t want this, particularly on a Sunday,” said Rev Zwalf, adding the church fully supported the temporary removal of the benches.

“If this is what we have to do to combat anti-social behaviour, the church will not tolerate anti-social behaviour in the church gardens. We want it to be safe for people and children.

“There is no excuse for smashing bottles – there is a bin which is perfectly adequate.”

n The Designated Public Places Order has been requested by the police who gave councillors details of many drink-related anti-social problems in areas of the town. Bringing in the order was first discussed by Fenland Council’s licensing committee in August and has since been publicly advertised.

Results of the consultation are due back before the licensing committee on October 16.