Leading supermarket chains have banned strong lagers and ciders from their shelves to try to clampdown on binge drinking in central London.

In one of the first initiative of its kind, Westminster council and supermarket chains have joined forces to remove the drinks from 25 branches in areas plagued by street drinkers.

The move comes amid growing fears over rising alcohol-fuelled violence and alcohol-related illnesses.

Supermarket and off-licence chains, including Waitrose, Tesco and Threshers, have withdrawn drinks including Carlsberg Special Brew, Tennants Extra and Diamond White. Westminster-is targeting such "troublespot" areas as Marylebone High Street, Victoria and Pimlico, and believes the measure is the only way to combat rising drug dealing and street urination.

Councillor Audrey Lewis said: "We need to address the very real social problems which alcohol causes and contributes to, and we have found supermarkets and off-licences are increasingly prepared to join us in taking firm action to help their local community. "Cheap, super-strength alcohol is aimed at alcoholics, drug users and some of the most vulnerable and needy members of society. " Sir Simon Milton, council leader and chairman of the Local Government Association, said: "We should be treating the sale of alcohol in the same way we treat tobacco with all the relevant pricing restraints and health warnings."

But some retailers have questioned the scheme. Martin Swaby, manager of Tesco Express in Marylebone High Street, said: "We have got drunks outside and a lot of people begging and it has not made one bit of difference."

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