PUB and business owners are calling for Darlington to join hundreds of other towns across the country by introducing measures to curb antisocial drinking.

Members of the town's Pubwatch and Shopwatch schemes are keen to see a designated public place order (DPPO) imposed in the town centre.

Traders and licensees have supported the order, which is designed to ban alcoholrelated anti-social behaviour in public places.

It would also give police more powers to deal with problem drinking.

Darlington Pubwatch chairman Peter Turnbull said there have been issues with ongoing anti-social problems in areas such as High Row, Skinnergate and Bondgate, as well as in the market place and around St Cuthbert's Church.

He said the incidents were having a detrimental effect on town centre businesses and impacting on the town's image.

He said: "More than 700 towns and cities in the UK successfully operate DPPOs.

Where in use, they have made a positive improvement to the feel and image of town centres, helping to put a stop to drinking on public benches and anti-social behaviour.

"DPPOs are not an alcohol ban per se. They do not prohibit public drinking, but do give police powers to confiscate alcohol or arrest for noncompliance in designated areas.

"Many local authorities have reported significant reductions in alcohol-related anti-social behaviour following implementation. We do, however, need to be aware that vulnerable groups on our streets should be provided with appropriate support."

Independent retailer Jen Kirby, chairman of Shopwatch in Darlington, said: "I'm shocked and disappointed that a growing number of people are circulating in the town centre during the day with open alcohol vessels and in a drunken state, which is unsuitable for a family shopping area."

A Darlington Borough Council spokeswoman said that although the orders were not in place in Darlington, the police had powers to confiscate alcohol.

She added: "Police already have discretionary powers to confiscate alcohol where they feel it is appropriate. We have had some initial discussion with the police on this issue.

"However, there is a process to go through including consultation with the Town Centre Board and a report to full council."