EFFORTS to rid Leyburn town centre of a vagrant were thwarted when Richmondshire District Council overturned the decision of one of its committees.

The resources committee agreed two weeks ago to make an order on the town council's behalf to ban alcohol drinking in two areas of the market place.

Since September, town and parish councils have been stripped of the powers to make bylaws and members had requested the district authority's help.

However, a full meeting of the district council on Tuesday agreed that passing a bylaw purely to rid the town centre of one individual was over-reacting to the situation.

Coun Richard Good said: "This is taking a sledgehammer to crack a nut. I originally supported the motion for the greater good of Leyburn but I still think it would be pursuing one person."

Coun Terry Jones, who proposed that the authority decline the town council's request, said it was unfair to make new laws simply to allow the police to move on one person.

The bylaw would have banned drinking in two spots in the market place frequented by the vagrant, known locally as Mel.

Police have not had the power to move him on because he does not beg, does not stay overnight in the market place and has not acted illegally. He does consume alcohol regularly and the new law would have enabled officers to move him on.

The town council sought the order because members were concerned that Mel's presence was a nuisance to people visiting the town centre. Gates had already been installed at the market place shelter to stop him from sitting in it.

Mrs Julie Forrest, town clerk, said the matter would be discussed at the town council meeting on Monday. "We are very disappointed at what has happened but this is not the end of the matter. I am seeking information from the district council's corporate affairs officers."

l See Letters, page 18.