Calls have been made to create a "wet garden" in East Oxford to try to provide a long-term solution to street-drinking in the area.

The controversial idea, which was mooted by Elizabeth Mills, of Divinity Road, has been cautiously welcomed by police and local councillors.

Mrs Mills said: "Since the smoking ban 15 months ago, many drinkers who used to use the wet room in Oxford Night Shelter in the town centre have gone back out on to the streets again.

"As a result, the antisocial behaviour that is associated with it, has become more and more of a problem."

In August, police in East Oxford targeted street drinkers and have since issued one person with an Asbo banning them from drinking in public places.

But Mrs Mills said this would not provide a long-term solution.

She said: "I believe there is the opportunity for using some additional space around the back of the public lavatories in Manzil Way, which is really dead space, for a wet area.

"These people are incredibly vulnerable addicts and we need to treat them with respect, not look at them as a problem to be moved on.

"They need to be in a place where professionals can offer them support and provide them with help when they most need it."

Green city councillor Mary-Jane Sareva, who represents St Clement's, said she believed the area in Manzil Way could work.

She said: "There are appropriate multi-agency support services there which could make it a safer area, controlled by people trained to deal with drinkers, where they can meet, talk and won't be able to become aggressive to members of the public."

And fellow St Clement's councillor Nuala Young said: "It does sound like that is what is missing, a secure area where they are not on the streets."

Insp Brian Cooper, East Oxford neighbourhood inspector, said street drinking was a big problem in the area.

He said: "It may well be a wet area is an option, but I have never seen one in practice.

"I think it is something that is worth exploring because I am not convinced that Asbos are the long-term solution. It should be investigated further."

But Jan Bartlett, who runs Premier Lettings in Cowley Road, disagreed.

She said: "We certainly do not want one in Manzil Way.

That anyone is seriously considering having a wet area so close to a children's play area I find horrifying. I think it would be catastrophic."