ROWDY drinkers plaguing residents and tourists in one of Harrogate's most popular parks could find themselves in trouble with the law from early next year

A ban on drinking outdoors in Valley Gardens, where anti-social behaviour is increasing, will be in place by February.

The borough council has responded to mounting criticism of gangs of youths using the gardens and the adjoining Bogs field and Pine Woods for open-air drinks binges and is to use powers under a new Act to end the problem.

The Local Authorities (Alcohol Consumption in Designed Public Places).

Regulations, which came into force earlier this year, gives local authorities powers to set up "no-go" areas for drinkers.

After police logged about 100 incidents of anti-social behaviour in and around the gardens in a 16-month period to the beginning of October - 25 of which were alcohol related - councillors decided the area should be the first to have a ban.

They are expected to sanction the move on Wednesday and have everything in place - including signs warning of the ban - by February 4.

Drinking bans could follow in other areas across the 515-square mile district.

Police have welcomed the move and local commander Chief Insp Les Potter said it would be another weapon in officers' armoury.

He said it would help reduce the amount of alcohol-related misbehaviour.

Harrogate Bowling Club, whose green forms part of the Valley Gardens, has been given an assurance its plans to apply for a licence once a new clubhouse is built for the 2002 season, will not be affected.

Harrogate council's solicitor, Gillian Cooper, said: "I intend to make it clear that the order would not include land which would comprise the licensed area of the bowling club.