PLANS to expand Christchurch town centre's alcohol ban to encompass an antisocial behaviour hot spot in the borough have moved a step closer.

Residents in Purewell fear incidents of alcohol-fuelled antisocial behaviour in the Buttery Car Park and Memorial Garden, are spiralling out of control.

Now Christchurch Borough Council's services committee has agreed to extend the town's alcohol free zone into Purewell, which will allow the police to crack down on groups and individuals drinking in public.

The borough council's portfolio holder for improving the environment Cllr Colin Jamieson said: "We have received lots of complaints from residents who are very upset with what has been going on.

"I am delighted to put these plans forward and hope they will help improve their quality of life."

The borough's alcohol free zones in the town centre and Mudeford Wood have impacted on incidents of anti-social behaviour in both areas.

Outside alcohol free zones the police can only confiscate open bottles and cans of booze from underage drinkers - although the problems in Purewell often involve over-18s.

But the extra powers allow officers to seize booze from anyone drinking in public.

Councillors were concerned the ban would move groups of people away from one antisocial behaviour hot spot only to create another focal point somewhere else in the borough.

But suggestions that a blanket ban on drinking in public should be introduced across the borough were dismissed amid police fears it would reduce the impact of alcohol free zones on targeted areas.

Initial consultation with the police, shopkeepers and residents showed all parties welcome the plan and formal consultation will now begin.

First published: Feb 1