Plans to slap prostitutes and drunks with hefty fines for anti-social behaviour in High Wycombe will be debated by the public as part of a three-month consultation beginning this week.

Wycombe District Council revealed plans to crackdown on sex workers – who are accused of “ruining” a thriving part of town – last month by using new government Public Spaces Protection Orders.

Some councillors criticised police for not dealing with prostitution in the Desborough area last year and are now asking for the public’s view on implementing new orders which could see people handed £1,000 fines.

The orders will give the council power to tackle alcohol-related anti-social behaviour in Wycombe town centre, Desborough Road and The Rye.

And, WDC will also use it to restrict all “prostitution-related activities”, including kerb crawlers, for an as yet undefined area around the Desborough Road shopping district.

Once seen as the best street in town, the area is now considered a haven for prostitutes, who go to work during daylight according to nearby residents.

And, former council leader Lesley Clarke recently accused the prostitutes of ‘treating every staircase as their territory’.

WDC cabinet member for community, cllr Julia Adey, said: “The council has listened to residents and businesses in bringing forward these proposals, with the new PSPOs giving authorities more flexibility to take action against people deemed to be committing anti-social behaviour in town.

“We wish to ensure High Wycombe is a pleasant, vibrant and enjoyable place to live, work and visit, and so I would urge people to help us shape these proposed orders to ensure we can tackle anti-social behaviour.”

The three month public consultation begins on Friday, August 5, with partners and key stakeholders being asked for their views.

Residents will be able to inform the council if they support the proposed PSPOs and, if so, which roads and spaces should be included in the designated area.

Visit www.wycombe.gov.uk/consultation-wycombe-district-public-spaces-protection-order from Friday for more information and to take part in the online survey.

Hard copies will also be available from the council’s offices in Queen Victoria Road, High Wycombe.