PLANS for a street drinking ban in Dursley are set to be discussed by district councillors who will have the final word on whether it can go ahead or not.

Dursley Town Council put forward plans for an ‘alcohol free zone’ in the town last year.

The aim of the ban is to combat anti-social behaviour and underage drinking in Dursley.

Next week cabinet members on Stroud District Council will decide whether to proceed with an extensive consultation process, which will be the first stage in getting the new legislation implemented. The drinking ban has the backing on Dursley’s Police Inspector, Alistair Barby, who believes it will go some way towards stopping large groups of drinkers causing noise and anti-social behaviour near people’s homes.

"The street-drinking ban will certainly be another tool in our armour for fighting crime.

"Late evening problems are mostly drink related and this legislation would go some way to helping us cut down on this type of crime.

"We have certain powers now to combat drinking but this will extend those powers."

Under the Criminal Justice and Police Act 2001 councils are allowed to designate public places to prohibit consumption of alcohol.

For the ‘alcohol free zone’ to be put into force the district council has to do a lengthy consultation with local residents, businesses, licensed premises and neighbouring towns and parishes.

In a report to cabinet members Phil Sullivan, head of community safety at the council, said: "At this stage it is considered from experience elsewhere in the county that the making of such an order will assist in reducing fear of crime in certain sections of the population and contribute to reducing crimes of disorder and violence.’ Cabinet members will make a decision on the drinking ban at a meeting on Thursday, June 11. The decision will then have to be put before the full council and a final decision on whether to implement the ban will be made after the consultation process.