HAMBLETON councillors are likely to impose public drinking bans in three areas at Great Ayton and Northallerton.

Measures being considered today by the licensing committee are designed to give increased powers to the police to tackle nuisance and disorder arising from alcohol consumption in public places.

The council cabinet agreed in principle last November to consider designating Bullamoor Park and the Applegarth in Northallerton, and High Green at Great Ayton, as areas to be covered by orders banning public drinking.

The request had been made by police who said they were constantly attending incidents which often involved numbers of youths drinking openly within sight of residents and visitors.

The licensing committee was today being recommended to make official orders for the three areas which would enable police to tackle anyone who is drinking, or is about to do so, and tell them to stop and hand over the liquor. The orders would not apply to sealed containers of drink.

Anyone who fails to comply with the police requirement could face a fine of up to £500 in a magistrates' court.

Martyn Richards, head of legal services at Hambleton, said the proposed orders had been advertised and there had been no objections. The town and parish councils had confirmed their support.

He said that before the orders could take effect, warning signs would have to be erected at a cost of £5,000.

Mr Richards added: "The police are keen to have the designation of the areas concerned to improve their ability to deal with anti-social behaviour related to alcohol consumption in public places."