PLANS for an on-street drinking ban may put a proposed curfew to tackle anti-social youths on hold.

Sowerby Parish Council spent £78,000 recently on installing new equipment in its play area in the town.

But yobs tried to set fire to a table in a £6,000 youth shelter and smashed glass.

It led the council to suggest a dusk to dawn curfew. The idea of a security fence and gate was also raised, and the youth shelter has been removed indefinitely.

But several members of the council feel the problems stem from some underage youths drinking at the site.

They feel an on-street drinking ban in Thirsk and Sowerby planned by police may solve the problem faster.

The ban would stop anyone drinking alcohol on certain streets around Thirsk and Sowerby.

Council chairman Councillor Mark Robson said: "We usually find broken bottles of Stella, cider and vodka there.

"It is a minority of youths drinking underage causing a problem, as 95 per cent of the youngsters using it are enjoying it.

"We will continue to monitor the play area to see if the problem goes away, and we hope that the drinking ban will stop it.

"It is still the council's intention to get a by-law for the curfew, but it will take 18 months to get approval for it.

"It will then be up to the council to decide whether or not to implement it."

The licensing authority, Hambleton District Council, was to discuss the on-street ban on September 10, but delayed it a month.

Local resident Malcolm Parnaby, of Blakey Close, said: "We have spoken to some of the youngsters there and they say a minority, some with alcohol, spoil it.

"We are saying get rid of the alcohol first and give it a chance, and if it does not work, then bring the curfew in."

Police said they were willing to work with the parish council to solve the anti-social problems.