A new scheme designed to stamp out binge drinking and drink-fuelled violence in Oxford could displace the problem to the north of the city, a councillor has warned.

The Special Saturation Policy (SSP) -- drafted by Oxford City Council and the police -- is due to come into force in January.

It will be used to reject licence applications for new bars and clubs. The SSP will not affect existing licence holders, who have "grandfather rights" and can apply for a new permit on the same terms during the first six months of the policy.

Trouble-prone streets covered by the policy will include Park End Street, George Street, St Aldate's and High Street. Cowley Road and Walton Street, in Jericho, have been earmarked as possible SSP zones.

Paul Sargent, chairman of the central, south and west area committee, said: "I'm over the moon we have got this. I am not against development, but I want something that everybody can participate in."

But he warned said the scheme ran the risk of displacing troublemakers to the outskirts of the city centre, such as Walton Street.

He added: "It's totally understandable that people want to go out and have a drink but what's not good is when people get so drunk that their activity affects others."

Ros Weatherall, who lives in Richmond Road, Jericho, with her husband Paul Cullen, said she liked to see young people having fun, but added: "Walton Street is being taken over by bars and there are just huge numbers of young people in a very merry state and you feel you have to push through all the time."

Ed Turner, chairman of the council's licensing committee, sympathised with Jericho residents, but said the policy would take effect in two stages -- first in the city centre, then other areas.

He said: "It is not about stopping people having fun, but unfortunately we are at a stage where things have got out of hand and there is too much alcohol-related violence. That's why we're pushing hard for this."

People can send their views by Tuesday, January 4, to the Licensing Authority, Oxford City Council, Freepost, PO Box 10, Oxford, OX1 1BR.

Changes to the scheme cannot be made until it is reviewed on November 7, 2005.