ROWDY gangs of youths drinking in parks and gardens around a market town could have their drink confiscated in future.

Council chiefs have agreed to impose restrictions in parts of Richmond, giving police the power to intervene if anti-social behaviour becomes a problem.

Families enjoying a glass of wine or a beer with a picnic have been assured they will not find themselves surrounded by officers demanding they hand it over.

The plan is for local police to use new powers introduced under the Criminal Justice and Police Act 2001 to deal with anyone making a nuisance of themselves.

The new rules will apply in the town's Ronaldshay Park, The Batts, Castle Walk and Friary Gardens as well as in Coronation Park in Catterick Garrison. All were identified by the Richmond Community Safety Partnership, which highlighted them as areas with a history of anti-social behaviour.

Richmondshire District Council's community committee was told the new legislation could also be combined with other powers given to police by the Confiscation of Alcohol (Young Persons) Act, allowing officers more room to manoeuvre when dealing with rowdy youths.

"It is an enhancement of the powers police already have in relation to juveniles in particular," said Sergeant Mick Griffiths, whose beat includes Richmond's town centre.

"It is a useful add-on to our existing confiscation powers."

Richmond Town Council had also wanted the legislation extended to cover the Market Place, but it was agreed police already have sufficient powers to deal with any disorder there.

The committee was told designated areas have to be defined easily and, if the Market Place was included, there could be confusion as to whether Finkle Street and King Street were included as well.

However, Councillor Kath-erine Carr - who chairs the Richmond Magistrates' Bench - still asked the Community Safety Partnership and the police to look closely at incidents of drink-related disorder in the Market Place and develop a strategy to deal with the problem.

"If you are in the Market Place after 9pm on a Friday or Saturday, it can be very frightening indeed," she said