TOWN centre revellers are being warned that if they are caught urinating in shop doorways or in the street they could end up spending more than just a penny.

PC Paul Thomas, of Chard police, has told the News that there has been a rise in the number of incidents of drink-fuelled people being caught having a wee in the street.

"There has been an increase in people urinating in the street and these are dealt with as and when we catch them doing it," he said.

But he added: "For everyone we catch we must miss ten."

PC Thomas said night-time officers out on patrol would be stepping up efforts to catch offenders in the act with the warning that those caught short and peeing in public could face an on-the-spot fine of £80.

Not only is it against the law to do so but it also leaves and unsightly mess as dried uringe is one of the most difficult substances to remove - especially from concrete - due to the acids it produces.

The Mayor of Chard, Cllr Cathie Morrison, said: "It is not nice for traders in town to have to come into Chard in the morning and find this mess in their doorway and then have to stop to clean it up before they can get on with the rest of the day."

One Chard trader, who did not wish to be named, told the News: "It is a regular occurrence and it just disgusts me really.

"But I expect people taking a pee in the street has been happening ever since pubs were invented."

There were similar concerns in Crewkerne and Ilminster. The news comes amid heightened concerns nationally about the effects a binge drinking culture is having on the country.