It has emerged today (Friday) that Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill has given Angus Council permission to introduce the bans to come into force from Monday, July 28.

Mr MacAskill said: "Public drinking is often a nuisance and can greatly hamper the quality of life for residents in a particular area.

"The 31 councils that have such byelaws in force have paid testimony to their effectiveness in reducing the nuisance and disorder commonly associated with public drinking. I will continue to support other councils that come forward with similar byelaw proposals."

Following a successful experiment in the use of byelaws to prohibit drinking in designated parts of Galashiels, Motherwell and Dundee, other local authorities were invited in 1993 to submit proposals for similar byelaws under powers contained in the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973.

To date, thirty one local councils across Scotland already have such byelaws, which cover more than 480 towns and villages, together with the built up areas within the city of Glasgow.

Commenting on the news that the ban on consumption of alcohol in central Kirriemuir is all set to be introduced, Kirriemuir Community council chairman Roland Proctor said it was the culmination of a six-year campaign in the town.

"I am absolutely delighted to hear that the ban is coming into force - it has been a long time coming.

"While the majority of people in our town behave in responsible and sensible manner, there are a few who make life a misery for others.

"The introduction of an alcohol free zone will be another measureto help the authority tackle incidents of anti-social behaviour."